As the Trump administration's tariff war hurts Chinese exports, a shoemaker in east China's Zhejiang province is adjusting its market strategy swiftly, shifting to other global markets to offset trade turmoil and challenges.
Zhang Wenjie, the founder of the shoe-making company based in Zhejiang's Wenzhou, revealed that he resolutely declined recently a U.S. client who exploited market conditions and asked for his products at half the price.
Zhang started his company in 1993 and now produces 10 million pairs of shoes annually with over 2,500 employees. Seventy percent of Zhang's business has been for export, with the U.S. as a traditional key market.
In recent years, the company has diversified to new markets, and the latest U.S. tariff hikes are pushing him to do more.
"Our orders from the U.S. have dropped by more than 30 percent, which will undoubtedly have an impact, but I believe this impact will be short-lived," Zhang said. "Just like in recent days, we've received substantial orders from Portugal and Spain."
The order from Portugal, worth over 20 million yuan (over 2.7 million U.S. dollars), helped buffer the blow to his operations and gave him new encouragement.
"We've established subsidiaries in Dubai and Russia. We are expanding into markets in Australia and Southeast Asia. It is an essentially part of our global strategy," Zhang explained.
Zhang and his team are preparing for the third phase of the 137th Canton Fair from May 1 to 5, where they hope to secure new orders and continue penetrating international markets.
Chinese shoemaker seeks foothold in alternative markets amid US tariffs
Leaders of seven European countries on Tuesday reaffirmed that Greenland "belongs to its people," stressing that issues concerning Denmark and Greenland must be decided solely by Denmark and Greenland, according to a joint statement.
The statement, released by Denmark's Prime Minister's Office, was signed by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
"Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland," the statement said.
The leaders underscored that Arctic security remains a key priority for Europe and is critical for international and transatlantic security. They noted that NATO has made clear the Arctic region is a priority and that European allies are increasing their presence there.
The statement noted that the Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, is part of NATO, and said security in the Arctic must be achieved collectively with NATO allies, including the United States, by upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders.
Calling the United States an "essential partner," the leaders also referred to the 1951 defence agreement between Denmark and the United States.
The Prime Minister of Greenland Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Tuesday that Greenland is open to dialogue and discussions with the U.S., but "they must take place through the proper channels and in respect of international law."
The PM also urged respect from the U.S. side, saying "Our country is not an object in great power rhetoric." Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who was appointed by President Donald Trump last month as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland, said that Trump "supports an independent Greenland with economic ties and trade opportunities for the United States," Reuters reported.
Trump said in a telephone interview on Sunday with The Atlantic that the United States "absolutely" needs Greenland. He also discussed the U.S. intervention in Venezuela.
Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in gaining control of Greenland, saying that he would not rule out using "military or economic coercion" to achieve that goal.
European leaders reaffirm Greenland sovereignty, stress Arctic security
European leaders reaffirm Greenland sovereignty, stress Arctic security
