Markets Flock to Safe Havens as Trump Escalates Tariffs on China 
Trump tariff backflip brings a US trade war with China into the crosshairs 
China Hits Back with 125% Tariffs as US Trade War Escalates 
Asian Chip Stocks Surge as U.S. Suspends Tariffs, Eases Trade Tensions 
Mitsubishi Veteran Kazuyuki Masu Nominated to Bank of Japan Board Amid Policy Shift 
Citi Cuts Japan 2025 Growth Outlook Amid Rising U.S. Tariffs and Global Tensions 
BSP Takes Cautious Path on Rate Cuts to Balance Growth and Inflation 
Oil Prices Dip as China Inflation Weakens, Trade War Escalates 
Gold Hits All-Time High Amid US-China Trade Tensions and Tariff Uncertainty 
What the spiralling trade war means for relations between the US and China 
U.S. Futures Drop as U.S.-China Trade War Escalates Despite Tariff Delay 
Nikkei Tumbles 5% Amid Escalating U.S.-China Trade Tensions 
China’s manufacturing activity expanded in December due to increased export demand, although it was hampered by higher labor and transport costs.
While the country's official manufacturing Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) dipped to 51.9 in December from 52.1 in November, it remained above the 50-point mark that separates growth from contraction.
China’s economy is expected to expand around 2% for the full year - the weakest pace in over three decades but much stronger than other major economies still struggling to contain infections.
Tougher coronavirus control measures of its key trading partners in the west and recent domestic infections could diminish industrial demand.
Zhao Qinghe, an official at the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), noted small businesses were pressured by higher raw material, labor, and distribution costs.
He added that small manufacturers are also struggling to hire workers due to the competition posed by the country's service sector.
