In the heat of a huge wholesale market in southern China, surrounded by clothing and shoes, traders are hoping for the announced visit from Donald Trump. They want him to lower U.S. tariffs that are weighing on their exports.
Manufacturers and factories in Guangdong Province, the country’s manufacturing heart, have clearly felt the impact of the US President’s tariffs in recent years.
The global trade war started by Trump after his return to power in 2025 had led to exorbitant markups on some Chinese products of up to 145 percent.
A one-year suspension of most tariffs was agreed in October between the US President and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. But for sellers at the market in Canton, orders have fallen.
“It’s pretty clear. The U.S. customers have almost disappeared,” said Zhou Hua, sales manager at 1988, a jeans maker.
Guangdong province accounted for about a fifth of China’s foreign trade last year, according to the Chinese Customs Administration. This corresponds to 9.49 trillion yuan (over 1.19 trillion euros).
The White House announced that Trump will travel to China on May 14 and 15. The visit was postponed for several weeks because of the war in the Middle East. Beijing has not confirmed these dates.
Zhou Hua hopes this visit will lead to a reduction in tariffs and boost demand for his jeans. The US accounts for only about 10 percent of ‘1988’s’ exports, which sells mostly in China and the rest of the world. But they are an important hub for the fashion industry. Therefore, they are a strategic market where presence and visibility can lead to new contracts. “We don’t want to put all our eggs in one basket,” explains Zhou.
In February, the US Supreme Court annulled most of Trump’s global tariffs. He then introduced a new, general tariff surcharge of ten percent. This is valid for 150 days and also applies to Chinese products.
Hope for peace
According to ‘1988’ boss Guo Tao, Trump’s visit will help “break the ice.” “If the two countries engage in a tariff war, everyone loses. There are no winners,” he says. He is also concerned about rising raw material costs, fueled by war in the Middle East. “As traders, we just want a prosperous economy, a stable country and peace in the world.”
Chinese and foreign buyers haggle in the aisles of the wholesale market. In addition, stand operators advertise their products live on the Internet in front of their smartphone screens.
A handbag seller, Ms. Zhuang, says her small shop is not directly affected by U.S. tariffs. However, she feels the effects “clearly” because Chinese customers are paying more attention to their budget. “As far as my expectations for the visit of the US President are concerned, I have no expectations,” she says firmly. She thinks Trump is “not very trustworthy.”
At another wholesale market in Canton, pink ribbons and disco balls hang from the ceiling of Wen Linpeng’s store. He sells colorful soaps, perfumes and makeup products. His business is not focused on the USA. However, he hopes that Trump’s trip will promote cooperation between the two countries. China will welcome the American president with open arms if he is “really sincere,” he says. “If he is not friendly, if he demands concessions from China or forces us to do something, we will pay him back in kind,” he warns. “But if he’s willing to work together, we’re happy to work with him.”
This article was created using digital tools translated.
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