Chinese exporters in south China's Zhongshan, one of the country's major manufacturing hubs, call for stability and smoother flow of goods following the trade talk between China and the U.S.
Over the weekend, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, the Chinese lead person for China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, held a high-level meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Geneva.
The two countries on Monday released a joint statement to substantially cut tariffs. According to the joint statement, the U.S. will remove a total of 91-percent additional tariffs on Chinese products and China will accordingly cut 91-percent countermeasure additional tariffs against U.S. imports. The U.S. will suspend a 24-percent "reciprocal tariff" and China likewise will suspend a 24-percent countermeasure tariff.
In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Monday, Ricky Liang, an exporter in the city, stressed the importance of policy stability in response to the trade talk, saying it is key for businesses to adapt and overcome challenges. The U.S.-imposed tariffs in April have forced his company to scale down production lines from ten to just three.
" I want it to be settled very soon, but I know it cannot be. I think it must be lasting for 1 year or 2 years, I don't know, but really I want more stable. As a businessman, I want things to be stable and then I can find solutions. Because here in China we are very strong. I can make assemble and production, and I can make the design, the structural design. You just give me the policy and then I can fix out," said Ricky.
Asked what message he would share with Chinese and American leaders at the negotiation table, Liang again said he hoped for quicker resolutions and emphasized the importance of the U.S. market to his business.
" Be faster. Do your best job and then we need to make sure our policies be patience. I mean, give me, or all Chinese more patience. The US is still very important. You know after tariffs, no matter with or without, we are trying to sell products to them. And also they need to buy," he said.
Huang Long, another exporter and a business leader in Zhongshan, also expressed hope that both governments would focus on breaking down trade barriers.
" I hope leaders from both countries can take a broader perspective and show more empathy toward ordinary people - so we can dismantle trade barriers, ensure a smoother flow of goods, and get business moving again. We're hopeful there could be a positive outcome within three months," he said.
Still, Huang acknowledged the uncertainty ahead and noted that his company is preparing for a longer fight by strengthening its overseas supply chains.
"The next stage will involve negotiations among businesses. Retailers might have to raise prices slightly. It'll take effort from all sides, because no one can solve this alone," he added.
Zhongshan exporters call for stability, better trade flows amid China-US trade talks
