Trump’s tariffs have reduced U.S.-China trade, but Beijing is offsetting losses by boosting exports and investment across Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
Since returning to office, U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified his rhetoric and actions against China, branding it “the chief-ripper-offer” and, most recently, “deepest, darkest China.” His administration has imposed sweeping tariffs, including punitive levies linked to China’s role in the fentanyl trade, and pushed trade partners in Europe and Southeast Asia to reduce Chinese imports.
China, however, has responded by expanding its global trade footprint. At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit on September 1st, President Xi Jinping urged nations to “oppose cold war thinking…and bullying,” while deepening ties with Europe, Africa, India and ASEAN states.
Trade data suggest Trump’s measures are reshaping, but not shrinking, China’s export power. Between June and August, Chinese exports to the U.S. plunged by 25%, dropping America’s share of Chinese exports from 15% to 10%. Yet overall shipments grew 6% year-on-year, with exports to Africa surging 33% and sales to ASEAN rising 20%.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative has accelerated, generating $120bn in new contracts in the first half of 2025, half of which went to Africa. Nigeria’s imports from China rose more than 50% in three months, driven by rail and power projects.
While U.S. tariffs cut bilateral trade, China’s integration into global supply chains especially in ASEAN continues to deepen.