Chinese companies in Ningbo, a key export hub in east China's Zhejiang Province, are relying on resilient industrial chains to counter the economic challenges posed by U.S. tariffs.
With a trillion-yuan economy, Ningbo remains a vital player, recording U.S. exports accounting for over 20 percent of its total in 2024. Amid these pressures, Professor Hu Qiuguang from Ningbo University has been tracking over 20 local export companies to understand the tariffs' effects.
"Ningbo is primarily a manufacturing city with a very complete industrial chain. Each link in the supply chain has supporting suppliers. This is a very important advantage, especially as Ningbo's exports to the United States accounted for over 20 percent of its total exports in 2024," said Hu.
Following the announcement of new tariff adjustment measures aimed at easing trade tensions between China and the United States, production lines at Ningbo Yuanjun Import and Export Company have resumed operations for U.S.-bound goods.
The company's flagship products, DIY toys, have won praise from international buyers.
"This is really great. Yes, one of the top. I think you're one of the top in Ningbo that I've seen so far," said a Dutch buyer.
Yan Gang, the company's procurement manager, said their success lies in the efficiency and integration of the regional industrial supply chain.
"For example, these beads are injection-molded here in Ningbo, then sent to a plating factory in Quzhou for electroplating, and finally to a spray-painting factory in Yiwu for coloring," said Yan Gang, procurement manager of Ningbo Yuanjun Import and Export Company.
To maintain market competitiveness, the company has been focusing on innovation, enhancing product quality, and improving customer service.
"Our foreign clients are visiting and inquiring about prices everywhere. For us, the key is to maintain the best quality and service," said Yu Erer, production manager of the company.
Robust industrial chains steer Chinese companies through tariff challenges
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
