The Global Story Is the US-China trade war back on?
12 snips
Oct 15, 2025 Stephen McDonnell, BBC China correspondent with over 20 years in the region, offers incisive insights into the renewed US-China trade tensions. He explains how both countries have escalated tariffs to unsustainable levels and discusses the impact on specific industries, from soybeans to Christmas decorations. McDonnell highlights the significance of rare earth minerals in negotiations and examines how China's economic evolution is affecting its trade strategies. As leaders prepare to meet, he outlines the handshake politics that could shape future relations.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Tariff Threats Spook Markets
- Trump renewed high-tariff threats, saying 100% tariffs on China were possible by November.
- Markets reacted negatively, showing consumer-cost risk from tariff escalation.
Political Rhetoric Shaped Tariff Continuity
- Trump's 2016 rhetoric framed China as an unfair trader and set up later tariff actions.
- That aggressive framing shaped US policy continuity on tariffs across administrations.
Tariffs Hurt Domestic Consumers
- McDonnell argues being tough on China is distinct from supporting tariffs.
- He stresses tariffs mainly make US consumers pay more, not collect revenue from China.