Donald Trump tariff impact: Civil disorder and unrest has broken out across China as severe tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump are expected to severely impact the country’s export-based economy, leading to business closures, wage defaults and large-scale worker demonstrations, according to a NewsMax report.
Demonstrations and civil unrest are expanding throughout China as the economic consequences of Trump’s tariffs push manufacturing industries towards collapse, resulting in factory shutdowns and leaving countless workers without wages.
From manufacturing regions close to Shanghai extending to distant parts of Inner Mongolia, labourers have organised street protests demanding payment of dues and opposing widespread redundancies. This turmoil comes as Chinese export orders have plummetted to levels not seen since the COVID-19 lockdown period.
Near Shanghai, an LED light production facility witnessed thousands of workers demonstrating over salary arrears extending back to January. Similarly, in Dao County in central China, workers protested outside a sporting goods establishment that ceased operations without settling employee compensation.
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In the northeastern city of Tongliao, construction workers resorted to climbing buildings and issued threats of self-harm unless their wages were paid.
China announced on Friday its evaluation of potential trade discussions with the US regarding tariff reductions, following Washington’s recent outreach. This development could potentially ease tensions in the ongoing tariff dispute between the world’s largest economies.
“China is making assessments as the United States has recently reached out to convey messages to China through relevant parties many times, expressing hope to engage in talks with Beijing over tariff issues,” said Chinese Commerce Ministry in an official release.
According to an AP report, the Commerce Ministry spokesperson emphasised that the US initiated these trade disputes unilaterally. They stated that American sincerity would be required for negotiations, along with concrete actions to address incorrect practices and remove unilateral tariffs.
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The Chinese administration acknowledged the US discussions about tariff measure adjustments. They clarified that any meaningful dialogue would require the US to address its unilateral tariff measures, without which it would indicate insincerity and damage mutual trust further.
The ministry firmly stated that China would not respond to inconsistent behaviour or attempts to use discussions as means of pressure or coercion.
Currently, China remains the sole nation facing active US tariffs, whilst American President Donald Trump has suspended reciprocal charges against various other nations, including India and the EU. This has effectively isolated Beijing, which has maintained its responsive tariff measures against Washington.
