China Faces Trump’s 60% US Tariff Threat: ANZ Warns GDP Could Shrink Amid Trade Fallout

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.