Explained: Why China’s Economy Faces a Bigger Threat from Trump’s New 60% Tariff Plans This Time Around
- THE CHINA NOW
- Nov 6, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 7, 2024

Summary
China's property market crisis and high debt levels have weakened its economic foundations.
Consumer spending remains low, while deflationary pressures threaten growth.
Limited currency flexibility restricts China’s ability to offset the impact of high tariffs.
The Tariff Threat Returns
In a surprising twist, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s re-election brings renewed threats to impose tariffs as high as 60% on Chinese imports, reigniting a trade war at a crucial time for the Chinese economy. Unlike the previous rounds of tariffs under Trump’s administration, which ranged from 7.5% to 25%, the stakes are significantly higher now. China's economic landscape has changed considerably, with vulnerabilities that could intensify the impact of these new tariffs. Here’s a look at the factors making China’s economy more vulnerable to this potential tariff shock.