China's Export Boom Defies Trump's Tariff Threats

In December, China's exports increased unexpectedly sharply. This was due to the proactive actions of Chinese manufacturers who processed their orders in a real race to preempt a looming increase in US tariffs. The future US President Donald Trump had announced that he wanted to erect higher trade barriers after taking office. These uncertainties in future trade policy between the world's two largest economies led to an unexpected growth spurt that exceeded forecasts. The concern over the announced measures of the incoming president motivated Chinese companies to these anticipatory effects. A positive aspect amid global trade conflicts, which, however, does not diminish the long-term challenges in the Sino-American trade relationship. Economic experts see both opportunities and risks in the current development that need to be observed.