As the 90-day tariff adjustment period between China and the United States reaches its halfway point, businesses on both sides are racing to seize newfound opportunities. The recent easing of trade tensions has ignited a surge in commercial activity, yet lingering uncertainty keeps many cautious about the future.
The first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism held in London from June 9 to 10 signaled a mutual recognition that cooperation serves both nations better than prolonged confrontation. Experts believe this shift marks a pivotal moment in bilateral relations.
“The London meeting showed that both sides realize the need for collaboration over conflict,” said Sun Taiyi, an associate professor of political science at Christopher Newport University in the United States. “Pursuing mutually beneficial outcomes is the way forward.”
Businesses are wasting no time. Jiang Jiangping, a Christmas product seller from east China’s Yiwu City, noted a significant uptick in orders from U.S. clients. “They’re scrambling to book orders,” Jiang told CGTN. Similarly, Lin Wanyi, a furniture exporter from southeast China’s Fujian Province, reported that previously stalled shipments are now moving smoothly.
U.S. retailers share the enthusiasm. Glenda McMichael expressed her eagerness to resume business with the Chinese mainland. “The adjustment in tariffs is a positive step,” she told CGTN Stringer. “We’re hopeful this leads to long-term stability.”
Data supports the surge in activity. Container bookings from China to the U.S. have skyrocketed by nearly 300%, according to Vizion, a container tracking data provider. A manager at a cargo warehouse at Yantian Port in Shenzhen reported a 60% increase in inbound container volume.
However, the picture isn’t entirely rosy. Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, revealed that job opportunities at the port have decreased by half. “Nearly half of the longshoremen went without work over the last two weeks,” Seroka told the Los Angeles Times. “We’ve seen a 25% drop in cargo processing for May.”
The uncertainty of tariff policies weighs heavily on businesses. Jamey Stegmaier, founder and CEO of Stonemaier Games, highlighted challenges like fluctuating shipping costs and inventory security. “The 90-day window passes quickly,” Stegmaier told China Media Group. “Goods shipped now might not arrive in time. We need a stable environment to return to normal operations.”
While companies rush to capitalize on the current climate, experts caution that negotiations during the remaining window period will be tough. “Given that current tariffs remain high, China will continue pushing for reductions,” said Liu Ying, a researcher at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China.
The path ahead remains uncertain, but the recent trade thaw offers a glimmer of hope. As both nations navigate this critical period, the global business community watches closely, eager for a resolution that fosters growth and cooperation.
