Chinese retailers offer strong support to exporters amid US tariff hikes

Chinese retailers are stepping up efforts to support domestic exporters following sweeping United States tariffs.

Recently, the U.S. has launched several rounds of tariff hikes on Chinese imports, bringing the total effective tariff rate on Chinese imports to 145 percent.

China's Ministry of Commerce has encouraged export-oriented enterprises to redirect high-quality, cost-effective products to the domestic market.

Many domestic retailers have responded by announcing new measures to support exporters.

One of China's leading retailers -- Inzone Group, which is based in Jinan City, east China's Shandong Province, has rolled out a slew of measures to support domestic enterprises challenged by export disruptions.

It issued a letter to its supply partners, announcing a rapid-response sales channel and specially designated in-store display areas called the "Premium Foreign Trade Products Zone".

It even sets aside a meeting room specifically to assist exporters struggling with the latest round of U.S. tariffs.

Another effort is to open additional online platforms to promote high-quality Chinese products originally intended for international markets.

"In the retail sector, many companies have actively initiated proposals and calls to action. I believe this is our responsibility, as a retailer, and especially as a state-owned enterprise," said Cheng Xiaoyong, vice general manager of Inzone Group.

So far, more than 120 exporters and manufacturers have joined Inzone's initiative.

According to Cheng, the company expects these products to hit shelves and platforms within just 15 days.

"These export products have gone through rigorous testing and certification. Their manufacturing processes are mature. The cost for them to compete is relatively low, even in our domestic market," he said.

Consumers said they will support domestically-made products and are confident about China's economic resilience.

"As a consumer, I will continue to support domestic products as always, contributing to economic development," said Li Xiaoyan, a consumer.

"There's no need to panic because our country has strong resilience and the ability to respond effectively," said Pan Yitong, another consumer.

Chinese retailers offer strong support to exporters amid US tariff hikes

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Iran has obtained extensive documents and evidence linking the recent unrest across the country to the U.S. and Israel, noting that Mossad agents attempted to direct such "terrorist acts."

Araghchi said at a press conference in Tehran that since Dec 28, 2025, Iran had seen peaceful demonstrations organized by industry associations and economic professional. In the following days, more participants joined, and the situation gradually escalated from peaceful rallies into violent clashes.

Beginning on Jan 8, terrorists and armed groups carrying weapons entered protest sites and opened fire on police and civilians, with the aim of steering demonstrations toward violence, bloodshed and chaos, he said.

"Israeli media reports are rife with claims that Israel has designed and conducted operations in Iran. Mr. [Mike] Pompeo, who was Trump's CIA director, said on his X that 'Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also to every Mossad agent walking beside them.' This clearly shows that Mossad agents attempted to direct such terrorist acts," the minister said. Addressing military threats from the U.S. and Israel, Araghchi said Iran does not seek war but is fully prepared to face up to war. He added that Iran is ready for serious and pragmatic negotiations with the U.S., but the talks must be based on fairness, equality and mutual respect, rather than unilateral pressure or directives from Washington.

On the same day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the U.S. and Israel at a regular press briefing in Tehran. He said the two countries have made "extensive interventionist remarks" regarding Iran's situation, saying such statements are intended to foment chaos, violence and instability.

The spokesman said Iran is closely monitoring the development of the situation and remains fully prepared, warning that Iran's armed forces will respond to any act of aggression by its enemies.

Mossad agents attempt to direct terrorist acts: Iranian FM