KQED's Forum Trump's Tariff Strategy Risks Long-Term Damage to US-China Relationship
May 5, 2025
Rana Mitter, the S.T. Lee Chair in U.S.-Asia Relations at Harvard Kennedy School, sheds light on the volatile U.S.-China trade relationship. He discusses the staggering tariffs—145% on Chinese imports—impacting both economies. Mitter highlights the complexities of trade negotiations, the misconceptions about who bears the burden of tariffs, and China's growing tech prowess. He urges for cultural exchanges and dialogue to ease tensions, while outlining the hopeful signs of reopening communication channels under the Biden administration.
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Impact of Tariff Exception End
- Ending tariff exemption on small Chinese imports raises prices and shipping delays.
- Consumers will likely reduce purchases of inexpensive fast-fashion items, affecting logistics and social media advertising.
Tariff Impact on Chinese Factories
- High U.S. tariffs cause Chinese exports to pile up, threatening factory jobs.
- Chinese firms scramble for alternative markets, but face challenges from EU tariffs.
Negotiation Dynamics Between US and China
- U.S. holds short-term negotiating advantage with surprise high tariffs.
- China leverages political stability and controls public dissent to endure and plan self-sufficiency.
