South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Stock Markets Start New Year Higher as Tech and AI Shares Drive Gains 
South Korea Inflation Rises to 2.3% in December, Matching Market Expectations 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady as Markets Await Fed Policy Clues in Holiday-Thinned Trade 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
South Korea’s Lee Jae Myung Seeks Diplomatic Balance in Japan Summit Amid China Tensions 
Trump Considers Starlink to Restore Internet Access in Iran Amid Protests 
Trump Weighs Military and Diplomatic Options as Protests Intensify in Iran 
Citi Forecasts a Volatile but Ongoing Bull Market for S&P 500 in 2026 
Russia Launches Overnight Air Attack on Kyiv, Causing Fire as Air Defenses Respond 
U.S. Military Launches Multiple Airstrikes in Syria Targeting Islamic State 
Myanmar Military-Run Election Draws Criticism as Voters Head to Polls Amid Ongoing Conflict 
Trump Weighs Blocking Exxon Investment as Venezuela Deemed “Uninvestable” 
Who Is Li Chenggang? The Diplomat Shaping U.S.-China Trade Talks 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
Marine Le Pen Appeal Puts 2027 French Presidential Race in the Balance 
U.S. Dollar Starts 2026 Weak as Yen, Euro and Sterling Hold Firm Amid Rate Cut Expectations 
China’s economic growth is at risk as Trump’s 60% US tariff hike looms. ANZ Research predicts a potential 1.5% GDP reduction, echoing tensions from the 2018 trade war and signaling further strain on global trade dynamics.
Trump's Tariff Plans Could Slash China's GDP by 1.5%
According to ANZ Research, China's GDP would fall by 1.5 percent in the next years as a result of the expected rise in U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, Investing.com shares.
In this scenario, a tariff increase of up to 60% is anticipated. During his campaign for president, Donald Trump promised to slap tariffs of more than 60% on Chinese imports and to remove China's most-favored-nation trading status.
This study is based on findings from the last US-China trade war (2018–2020), when tariffs severely limited trade between the two countries. ANZ pointed out that Trump's forthcoming tariff measures are reminiscent of his previous approaches and will likely make trade disruptions worse.
China Expands Global Trade Partnerships Amid Challenges
In an effort to lessen its reliance on the United States, China has been broadening its economic alliances since 2018. According to a note from ANZ analysts, the proportion of U.S. imports from China dropped to 12.2% by 2023, a fall of 5.1 percentage points from 2018.
At the same time, China increased commerce with Latin American and ASEAN nations. Deflationary pressures and overcapacity problems make it difficult for China to move exports to other countries, thus this plan has its limitations, according to economists.
ANZ analysts warn that devaluing the currency won't do much to counteract the effects of tariffs, therefore it shouldn't be used as a countermeasure. This strategy loses some of its appeal due to the possibility of capital outflows, as a 20% depreciation of the Chinese yuan would only lead to a 4.4% drop in US retail prices.
Vietnam and Mexico Emerge as Trade Winners
Countries such as Vietnam and Mexico have reaped significant benefits from China's investments, according to ANZ, as the global supply chain realignment gains momentum. Rising trade frictions, however, pose a further possibility of complicating these processes.
The anticipated tariff hikes will put a strain on China's economic growth and trade balance in the near term, according to ANZ analysts. However, the country's reduced reliance on U.S. trade does provide some buffer.
