US Businesses Hope for Better China Trade Ties
American businesses in China are finally seeing a glimmer of hope. After years of tariffs and uncertainty, many believe relations between Washington and Beijing may be stabilizing.
At the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, US exporters displayed everything from handbags to ginseng. They hope recent talks between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping will ease trade tensions.
Trade Challenges and Renewed Optimism
Ginseng grower Ming Tao Jiang from Wisconsin shared how tariffs have hurt farmers. “Before 2018, we had around 200 registered growers. After years of tariff wars and the pandemic, only 70 remain,” he said.
However, Jiang feels conditions are improving. “The new agreement gives us hope. We expect a more stable future,” he added. His company, Marathon Ginseng, continues to sell North American ginseng to China despite a 45% import duty.
This aromatic root, prized in traditional Asian medicine, has linked the two nations since the 18th century. Yet, ongoing tariffs have kept prices high and markets uncertain.
Calls for Lower Tariffs
Other exhibitors at the expo share Jiang’s cautious optimism. Visitors sampled American made baijiu liquor, California almonds, and cornbread mixes. Many believe tariff cuts could rebuild trust and boost sales.
Tara Qu, trade representative for Idaho, said the latest agreement to pause new tariffs offers some relief. “But we hope China reduces its 10% blanket tariff further,” she noted. “That’s key for trade to return to normal.”
Qu warned that Chinese buyers might shift to other countries if costs stay high. For example, Anderson Northwest, an Idaho based bean exporter, stopped shipments entirely after tariffs rose 20%.
Eric Zheng, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, agreed. “Tariffs hurt everyone,” he said. “We need deeper reductions to help our members compete.”
He added that US wines now face over 100% import duties in China. Still, Zheng remains hopeful. Planned visits by Trump and Xi next year could signal stronger ties. “A stable environment benefits both sides,” he said.
