By Zhao Changwen, Li Yan & Xu Zhaoyuan, Research Team on “Sino-U.S. Economic and Trade Frictions”, Industrial Economic Research Department, DRC

Research Report, No.223, 2018 (Total 5498) 2018-12-21

Abstract: Since July 2018, the U.S. administration has imposed tariffs twice on China’s exports and consequently some negative impacts have been felt by various trades. According to the questionnaire survey findings gathered by DRC research team in seven cities including Foshan, Zhongshan, Dongguan, Shanghai, Ningbo, Shaoxing and Hangzhou, the US move has led to less export orders and profits of Chinese export-oriented enterprises to the United States. The enterprises’ investment inclination, especially foreign-capital enterprises to make new investment in China have been adversely affected. If such a situation could not be effectively reversed, it would probably make industrial businesses transfer to other countries. With regard to near-term measures, efforts need to focus on preventing and resolving major risks and move faster to formulate and launch the policies and measures for stable growth including cutting costs. Mid-term measures need to focus on deepening the reform of the business environment and assist domestic enterprises to expand overseas markets. In the long run, China needs to improve the weak points of the industrial chains, work hard to improve the industrial ecosystem, promote industrial upgrading and sharpen the competitive edge for enterprises’ development in the world.

Key words: Sino-U.S. trade frictions; effects; questionnaire survey