A survey conducted recently by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) covering more than 1,100 Chinese foreign trade companies found that nearly 50% of respondents will scale back their business activities with the United States amid the tariff hikes. The survey results also showed that 75.3% of the surveyed companies are seeking to expand into emerging markets to compensate for the reduction in exports to the U.S. Zhao Ping, CCPIT Spokeswoman, said at a monthly news conference in Beijing that the frequent changes in U.S. tariff policies have significantly increased uncertainty, making it difficult for Chinese manufacturers to plan for the long term. Chinese exporters are exploring new markets, boosting domestic sales, strengthening supply chains and adapting to changes, in order to overcome the current challenges, she added.
Zhang Sihong, Deputy Director of the China Foreign Trade Center, one of the organizers of the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, said these moves are part of a broader strategy by Chinese manufacturers to diversify their markets and enhance supply chain resilience. “Overseas companies are also seeking to strengthen cooperation with Chinese exporters to mitigate the impact of unilateralism on their businesses,” said Zhang. For instance, the second phase of the 137th Canton Fair attracted more than 224,000 buyers from 219 countries and regions, the highest number recorded for the same phase in the fair’s history. Wang Li, Researcher specializing in foreign trade at the Beijing-based Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said that Chinese companies, faced with mounting external pressures, are eager to reduce reliance on a single market and build more adaptable, risk-resistant business models to maintain steady growth in the long run.
One such company is Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery Co, a manufacturer of wheel loaders and excavators based in Linyi, Shandong province. The value of the company’s exports to economies participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) exceeded CNY600 million in the first quarter of 2025, accounting for more than 70% of its total export value, according to Qingdao Customs data. “To mitigate risks arising from protectionism in recent years, we have been actively expanding our sales network in emerging markets and establishing partnerships in regions and countries such as Central Asia, Latin America, South Africa and Indonesia,” said Zhang Chengwei, Manager of Shandong Lingong’s excavator unit.
Meanwhile, Ningbo Careline Electric Appliance Co, a home appliance exporter based in Zhejiang province, said it has seen strong domestic demand for its newly launched smart air fryer after shifting its focus to the local market earlier this year. “Amid this year’s complex and volatile international trade environment, we responded swiftly to market trends and seized opportunities in the domestic market to expand our sales network,” said Yu Xiongwei, the company’s President, as reported by the China Daily.
