Commentary | Four measures China could implement to counter Trump's tariffs

As the US prepares to intensify the trade conflict, it's crucial for China to enhance its self-reliance and broaden its alternatives outside of the Western sphere.

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Trump returns: what does the future hold for China, Asia, and the globe? | A Discussion Post with Yonden Lhatoo

Viewpoint | China's 4 strategies to combat Trump's tariffs

As the US is ready to heighten the trade conflict, China needs to concentrate on enhancing its self-reliance and expanding its alternatives beyond the Western world.

Forty minutes and

Trump returns: what does the future hold for China, Asia, and the globe? | Conversation Column with Yonden Lhatoo

Chinese biotechnology companies are preparing for a potential decrease in profits due to tariffs imposed by Trump, along with a US funding bill. Analysts suggest that initiatives to increase the sale of premium products in China and markets outside of the US could help mitigate the impact.

Analysts indicate that the income of Chinese biotechnology companies in the US, which includes manufacturers of medical equipment, may be at risk due to the incoming Trump administration's intentions to raise tariffs on Chinese goods. Additionally, a proposed law that aims to restrict sourcing of Chinese research and production services funded by the government could further threaten these profits.

Nonetheless, the endeavors of Chinese firms to broaden their product development and sales of premium products within China and foreign markets will soften the impact, they stated.

The incoming President, Donald Trump, has suggested imposing tariffs ranging from 60 to 100 percent on goods imported from China.

"Service providers and manufacturers of devices are expected to face the biggest impact," stated Yurou Zheng, an equity analyst at Morningstar. "A lot of Chinese medical device producers have been focusing on expanding into developing markets…partly due to the fact that the U.S market is already highly competitive and well-established."

Chinese manufacturers of medical equipment, who have a strong presence in the US – the biggest global market for these items, have been dealing with a 25% tariff since July 2018. This was a result of the trade war instigated by the former Trump administration and Beijing. The current Biden administration has decided to maintain this tariff.

Increased production expenses have impacted Chinese gadget manufacturers, compelling them to swiftly advance in the value chain to stay competitive, according to Grace Wang, a partner at L.E.K. Consulting based in Shanghai who specialises in the medical technology industry.

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are at a critical juncture due to increasing competition. Survival will be possible for only those who can maintain their operations without relying on outside financing, amidst issues of excess capacity and tariff problems, according to experts.

Analysts have stated that only companies that can maintain their functions without needing outside financial support will remain in the nation's electric vehicle competition, especially as concerns about overproduction increase.

"Given the fact that the local market is reaching its limit and foreign sales in advanced economies are being hindered by high tariffs, the main players will need to be extremely proficient in managing costs and avoid extravagant expenditures to preserve resources for the challenging business climate in the future," commented Chen Jinzhu, the Chief Executive Officer of Shanghai Mingliang Auto Service, a consultancy within the industry.

"The market has transitioned into a fresh stage, where it is anticipated that all businesses will soon confront a make-or-break situation."

There's a significant discrepancy between capability and real need. By the close of 2023, electric vehicle manufacturers in mainland China had the ability to build 17 million electric cars every year. However, the total rate of factory usage was only 54 per cent, as stated by Goldman Sachs.

Uncovering the Silk Road Again: Innovative Air Cargo Path from China to Europe through Tashkent, Uzbekistan

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The links between Asia and Europe supply chains are increasingly encountering difficulties. Companies are struggling with interrupted logistics due to geopolitical conflicts, limited capacity, extended shipping paths, and escalating transit expenses. In response to these challenges, CargoPoint, a freight forwarding company based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, has introduced a new air service connecting China and Europe through Tashkent. As worldwide commerce demands sturdy and flexible supply chains, this novel transit passage is designed to simplify cargo transport between Asia and Europe, offering businesses quicker transit durations, dependable capacity, and a much-needed substitute to congested routes in other areas.

Uzbekistan, with its capital Tashkent central to this pathway, takes advantage of its crucial geographic location. This fresh air route permits businesses to avoid intricate geopolitical obstacles, like the shutting down of Russian airspace, conflict in the Red Sea, and the wider Middle East, reducing transit times for companies in Europe and Asia.

CargoPoint, in collaboration with its key ally, Turkish Cargo, is significantly influencing the evolving logistics scenario. Turkish Cargo runs approximately 25 flights on a weekly basis, utilizing two widebody aircraft daily, establishing it as the prime capacity supplier linking Tashkent airport with Istanbul and further.

Uber is reportedly considering a $10 million investment in the initial public offering of China's Pony AI, amid the surge in self-driving technology. The ride-sharing behemoth is said to be contemplating the utilization of Pony AI's self-driving tech internationally, according to an insider.

Uber, which is headquartered in San Francisco, is reportedly interested in purchasing over US$10 million worth of shares in the initial public offering of Pony AI, according to sources who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the information. These sources also mentioned that Uber could potentially utilize Pony AI's technology in a collaborative project outside the United States.

Uber recently made an investment in WeRide's IPO in the US, according to individuals familiar with the situation. The company also has a deal in Abu Dhabi for a self-driving taxi service with a provider of autonomous driving technology.

Discussions continue, and the potential investment amount in Pony AI has yet to be determined, according to sources. Both Uber and WeRide representatives chose not to comment. Pony AI did not reply to a request for their input.

Uber has recently partnered with various autonomous driving technology companies, such as robotaxi service provider Waymo, and has also made a confidential investment in Wayve Technologies.

The downward trend of the Hang Seng Index intensifies due to gloomy profit forecasts unsettling investors. Baidu's significant 8.6 per cent decrease positions it as the index's lowest performer, while Alibaba experiences a 4.4 per cent drop.

The Hang Seng Index ended with a 1.9% decline at 19,229.97, bringing the weekly loss to 1%. Just seven out of the 82 index stocks saw an increase. The Hang Seng Tech Index experienced a drop of 2.6%.

Indices on the mainland experienced a drop. Both the CSI 300 Index and the Shanghai Composite Index saw a decrease of 3.1 per cent.

A series of disappointing outcomes from companies on the Hang Seng Index, such as Alibaba and Baidu, highlight the frailty of China's economic rebound and the pressing need for policymakers to take additional steps to boost growth. Investors are losing patience and choosing to leave the stock market after this month's legislative-approved financial actions to sell bonds, intended to address the covert debt crisis in local governments, did not meet market predictions.

Laura Wang, a strategist at Morgan Stanley based in Hong Kong, has suggested that 2025 might see a more turbulent equity market. She highlighted a possible deflationary climate, continuous downward pressure on earnings, and escalating geopolitical issues.

InvestHK facilitates Hong Kong's emergence as a top-tier global art trading hub

The city's government body backs up international auction house Bonhams in launching its new Asian head office, aiming to cater to the growth of the local market.

Known worldwide as a major crossroads for Eastern and Western cultural interactions, Hong Kong also ranks among the top three global art trading hubs. This is quite an impressive feat considering the intense competition in this sector.

The most recent government data reaffirms this position, indicating that the combined trading value of art pieces, collectibles, and antiques last year came close to HK$105.5 billion (US$13.5 billion). There are indications suggesting that there is still significant room for ongoing expansion.

InvestHK, a governmental body tasked with drawing in foreign direct investment and offering actionable guidance and support to businesses from mainland China and abroad aiming to establish or grow in the city, has been a critical contributor to this achievement. It offers assistance to businesses of all types, from new ventures to well-established entities, helping them understand and comply with laws, regulations, and tax codes, ensuring they are on the path to success.

InvestHK has played a significant role in aiding numerous noteworthy corporations in the city to expand, with Bonhams being a recent instance. In October, this well-known auction house launched its new Asia-based head office in Hong Kong. This move is a part of their tactical plan to boost ongoing development in the area and to improve their variety of services and events.

"Hong Kong offers a distinct mix of cultural and business advantages, which makes it a perfect base for catering to our clients across Asia and the world," says Julia Hu, the Asia Managing Director of Bonhams. "Our growth in this area reaffirms the company's enduring dedication to this vibrant marketplace."

Absolutely, since launching its inaugural auction room in the city in 2014, numerous facets of the company have witnessed significant expansion. In the previous two years alone, the staff strength of Bonhams has surged by 20 per cent, thus making it crucial to locate a larger, tailor-made headquarters to facilitate the upcoming stage of growth and seize fresh prospects.

Citigroup's Chief Executive Officer Fraser has had meetings with the Vice Premier of China and the Mayor of Shanghai, as Beijing showcases its reforms. Fraser has stated that the Wall Street financial institution plans to increase its involvement in the market to aid in strengthening economic and trade relationships between the U.S. and China.

The Vice Premier of China, He Lifeng, had a meeting with Jane Fraser, the CEO of Citigroup, in Beijing this past Thursday. This highlights the country's attempts to liberalize its financial sectors and draw in overseas investment, despite geopolitical strain and a decelerating economy.

The nation's leading financial authority informed Fraser that the nation is intensifying the overhaul of its financial infrastructure while persistently broadening the high-grade, reciprocal accessibility of its financial industry.

China is opening its doors to more international financial entities and investments to collaborate in the expansion of its financial markets and to take advantage of the growth opportunities it offers.

Fraser conveyed that Citigroup is confident regarding the economic future of China as well as the prospects of its financial arenas. He added that this Wall Street institution plans to intensify its involvement in the market to foster US-China economic relations and commerce, while simultaneously ensuring the robust growth of the worldwide economy.

The future of relations between the US and China continues to be unpredictable after Donald Trump was re-elected as president. The soon-to-be-inaugurated president, who initiated a trade conflict with Beijing during his initial term, has threatened to impose duties up to 60 per cent on Chinese exports.

Despite political instability and international conflicts, Hong Kong's wealth management sector continues to prosper. The Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, which was inaugurated in March, has attracted over HK$20 billion through 670 submissions, according to Paul Chan.

The political future of Hong Kong is increasingly worrying investors who are interested in its wealth management products, as per a survey conducted by the Private Wealth Management Association and KPMG China on Friday.

In the meantime, the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, which was initiated in March this year, has seen significant success, according to Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po. He made these comments at a conference held by the Private Wealth Management Association in Hong Kong on Friday, where the survey results were disclosed.

The initiative, often referred to as the investment-immigration plan, has so far garnered approximately 670 submissions, raking in over HK$20 billion (US$2.5 billion), he stated.

According to private wealth management companies in the city, there's been an increase in the number of clients worried about the political future of Hong Kong. The figure rose from 21% in 2023 to 28% in 2024.

The survey indicated that political instability was being fueled by geopolitical conflicts, including disputes between the US and China, as well as an extraordinary number of worldwide elections.

The health of China's economy was a significant worry, coming in second only to the decisions of central banks regarding interest rates, which affect Hong Kong's private wealth management sector, as per the survey. Last year, China's economic condition was ranked sixth among the concerns.

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The biggest brokerage in China has been established through the $14.5 billion merger of Guotai Junan and Haitong. Shareholders of Haitong now have the option to exchange their shares for Guotai Junan stock or opt for a cash settlement instead.

Details of a merger plan worth 103 billion yuan (US$14.5 billion) between Guotai Junan Securities and Haitong Securities have been revealed, which is set to establish the largest brokerage in China.

The shareholders of Haitong have the opportunity to swap their shares for Guotai Junan stocks or accept a cash offer from the buyer, according to a shared announcement from the two brokerage firms on Friday.

Following the consolidation declared in September, Haitong will no longer be operational and Guotai Junan will release new stocks to finance growth in operations, as per the announcement. The transaction has been granted permission by Shanghai's government-owned asset supervisor, the final authority over the two firms, but is still awaiting approval from shareholders.

The statement indicated that the consolidation is a partnership between two major firms that will enhance their strengths. This will speed up the creation of a globally competitive investment bank that leads the industry, injecting fresh energy into capital market and brokerage industry innovations.

The Earth Alliance, based in Hong Kong, has appointed Jeffrey Sachs among others to lead its environmental efforts. After the United Nations' Cop29 climate conference, the Alliance announced the addition of six individuals to its executive council and 21 advisors to its team.

The One Earth Alliance (OEA) has put together a high-profile governing council and advisory board to guide its Hong Kong headquarters on its sustainability efforts and solidify the city's role as a centre for green financing.

The administrative council consists of six individuals, whereas the board is comprised of 21 specialists and delegates from various industries. The names on both rosters were disclosed at the conclusion of the United Nations' Cop29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan this week.

The specialists are set to embody the coalition on a global scale, aid in expanding its scope and impact, and offer their expert advice and direction to the institution, stated OEA from Hong Kong. The coalition is poised to emerge as "the primary entity in constructing a sustainable, fair and thriving future for Asia," it further mentioned.

Poman Lo, the Vice-Chairman of Regal Hotels International, established the coalition in March with the objective of rapidly advancing sustainable progress in Asia. This will be achieved through the joint efforts of family offices, investors, companies, philanthropists, governments, and educational institutions.

The members of the governing council include: Vuk Jeremic, who served as the president of the 67th Session of the United Nations General Assembly; Prince Max of Liechtenstein and the CEO of private bank LGT; Arun Majumdar, the dean of the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability; Hiromichi Mizumo, the CEO of MSCI; Johan Rockstrom, the head of the Potstam Institute for Climate Impact Research; and Jeffery Sachs, who is the leader of the Centre for Sustainable Development at Columbia University.