NYTimes News (CN) Articles | Generated by AI

Home PDF

How U.S. Small Business Owners Are Coping with Tariffs on China

The article discusses the impact of tariffs on American small businesses, particularly those reliant on imports from China. Despite a reduction in tariffs by President Trump, many businesses still face significant financial burdens. The overall average tariff rate on imports to the United States remains at its highest level since 1934, affecting companies of all sizes, including large retailers like Walmart.

Four business owners share their strategies to cope with the tariffs:

  1. Marina Rosin Levine of Highline United, a footwear company, plans to focus on selling only the most expensive shoes in the U.S. to absorb the additional costs.
  2. Cheyenne Smith, who designs children’s rain boots, considered closing a warehouse and laying off employees due to rising costs and falling sales.
  3. Luis Prior of Meavia Toys halted production and is cautiously resuming manufacturing of popular toys, but remains uncertain about future tariff changes.
  4. Mike Roach of Paloma Clothing proposes a cost-sharing plan with vendors and suppliers to avoid price increases for customers.

The article highlights the uncertainty and instability faced by small businesses, with the potential for tariffs to rise again if no deal is reached within 90 days. The need for a long-term trade agreement is emphasized to provide predictability for future business decisions.

Trump’s Domestic Vengeance, Middle East Trip Shows Tolerance

特朗普总统在国内采取强硬措施，对政治对手和批评者进行调查和打击，但他在中东之行中展现了宽容的一面。他表示愿意放下过去的恩怨，寻求和平与利益。特朗普在沙特阿拉伯和卡塔尔的演讲中，提到他不相信有永远的敌人，并宣布解除对叙利亚的制裁，为该国提供经济援助。他还会见了叙利亚新任总统艾哈迈德·沙拉，尽管后者曾与基地组织有关联。特朗普的这一态度与他在国内的强硬立场形成鲜明对比，他在国内对政治对手和批评者采取了严厉的措施，包括撤销安全许可和调查前政府官员。特朗普的这一外交策略引起了顾问和盟友的关注，特别是他在伊朗问题上的态度，尽管他曾经对伊朗采取过强硬措施，但现在他表现出愿意通过外交手段解决问题。

Trump Promises Middle East: U.S. Will No Longer “Interfere”

During a speech in Saudi Arabia, President Trump declared that the United States would no longer engage in nation-building or intervene in the Middle East, stating that the U.S. would stop “lecturing” on how to live. This announcement was met with applause and reflected long-standing grievances in the region. Trump urged Middle Eastern countries to determine their own destinies and criticized past U.S. policies, which he claimed had caused more harm than good. His remarks were widely shared and discussed across the Middle East, with reactions ranging from celebration to skepticism. Trump’s visit to the Gulf states also focused on business deals, including over $1 trillion in investments. He expressed a desire for Saudi Arabia to recognize Israel and reach a deal with Iran over its nuclear program. The speech was seen as a departure from previous U.S. policies and was met with both praise and concern about the potential implications for human rights and regional stability.

Trade Truce Does Not Eliminate Sino-US Rifts, Beijing Unlikely to Soften Stance on US

Despite a temporary tariff truce, China is preparing for ongoing rivalry with the U.S. Beijing will continue its economic and diplomatic efforts in Asia while maintaining a tough stance on territorial claims and military competition. The tariff agreement does not address other grievances, such as U.S. military presence in Asia and technology restrictions. China views the tariff pause as a tactical retreat by the U.S. rather than a fundamental shift. Beijing will pursue opportunities with the Trump administration but is ready for potential flare-ups in tensions. China’s approach includes presenting itself as a stable alternative to the U.S. while asserting its regional claims. Recent actions, such as military exercises around Taiwan and incursions into disputed territories, underscore this strategy. China’s leaders believe they can offer economic incentives while pushing territorial claims, seeing a moment of advantage due to reduced resistance from neighboring states. Despite the tariff truce, deep distrust between the two nations persists, and relations are likely to worsen again due to numerous points of disagreement.

Apple in China: The Unsettling Alliance

Apple’s significant investment in China, particularly under CEO Tim Cook, has made the country the largest manufacturer of Apple products, with about 90% of its products produced there. This decision has created a complex and vulnerable relationship for Apple and the United States, as China’s technological advancements have been significantly influenced by Apple’s presence. The book “Apple in China: The Capture of the World’s Greatest Company” by Patrick McGee details how Apple’s operations in China have contributed to China’s economic and technological growth, potentially at the expense of American innovation.

McGee highlights that Apple’s extensive training of Chinese workers and substantial investments have not only benefited Apple but also enabled China to develop its own technological capabilities. This has led to a situation where Chinese companies like Huawei, Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo are now producing high-end products that often outperform American designs in many markets. The book also notes that Apple’s compliance with Chinese government demands, such as removing the New York Times app from its online store and keeping Chinese user data within China, has raised concerns about government intrusion and labor rights.

The book provides a detailed account of Apple’s journey from its early days under Steve Jobs to its current status as a global tech giant, emphasizing the pivotal role China played in this transformation. However, it also raises critical questions about the geopolitical implications of Apple’s deep integration with China, especially under the authoritarian leadership of Xi Jinping. The book suggests that while Apple’s success in China has been monumental, it has also created a scenario where China’s technological advancements could surpass American innovation, posing significant challenges for the United States.

Trump’s Negotiation “Tricks” No Longer Effective?

President Trump, known for his maximalist negotiation tactics, has been increasingly backing down from his demands and declaring victories. His opponents, including China, Russia, and Iran, have started to adapt their strategies based on his predictable patterns. Recent negotiations over Gaza, Canada, and China have shown Trump’s tendency to retreat after initial aggressive stances. Two significant tests are emerging: one involving Ukraine’s sovereignty and safety, where Trump’s alignment with either the U.S. allies or Russia is crucial, and the other concerning Iran, where Trump’s willingness to let Israel act against Iran or join in is at stake. Both negotiations involve decades of grievances and potentially millions of lives. Russia and Iran have been refining their strategies by observing Trump’s behavior, hinting at investment opportunities for the U.S. if demands are eased. China, for example, matched Trump’s tariffs until he agreed to a 30% tariff with no significant concessions. Trump’s ultimate measure of success seems to be market reactions, but his goals remain unclear. Recent developments with Russia and Iran show that they are using similar tactics to Trump, offering potential deals that could benefit the U.S. economically.

Why Trump Wants a New “Air Force One”

President Trump has expressed a desire for a more impressive Air Force One, comparing the current planes to those used by oil-rich Middle Eastern nations. The two 747-200s currently in use are over 30 years old and were supposed to be phased out years ago. Efforts to replace them have faced repeated delays, and the new planes are not expected to be ready before 2027, after Trump’s term.

Trump has proposed accepting a Boeing 747-8 from the Qatari royal family, which he plans to donate to his presidential library. This plan has faced significant backlash, including from Republicans. The current Air Force One planes are safe but old, and spare parts are difficult to obtain. The development of new jets has been ongoing since the Bush administration, with extensive modifications required to meet presidential needs.

The new planes are expected to cost at least $2 billion, including specialized features like a flying Situation Room, advanced communications systems, and defensive measures. Despite these efforts, the new planes are behind schedule due to various issues, including the coronavirus pandemic and supply chain problems. Trump’s frustration with the delays is compounded by his belief that the current planes lack the symbolic impressiveness he desires.

Confronting the Thought Police of the Trump Administration

The article details an incident where the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen attempted to impose a U.S. executive order banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on a Danish lecture series, which the author, Joseph E. Stiglitz, was scheduled to speak at. The U.S. State Department later terminated the funding, citing the need for compliance with the order. This incident highlighted several key points:

  1. Lack of Coordination: The conflicting messages from the U.S. Embassy and the State Department suggested a lack of communication and coordination within the Trump administration.

  2. Defiance of Courts: The administration’s actions showed a disregard for court orders, as they only partially complied with a court directive to release the remaining funds.

  3. Control and Oversight: The episode demonstrated the Trump administration’s willingness to exert control over even minor activities, such as a university lecture series funded by its own embassy.

  4. Freedom and Education: The author emphasizes that freedom includes the ability to live up to one’s potential, which is facilitated by a liberal education that fosters critical thinking and breaks down shibboleths. This approach is seen as threatening to authoritarian regimes.

  5. Threats to Academic Freedom: The incident underscored the importance of academic freedom and the role of universities in maintaining a system of checks and balances. The author notes that tenure is crucial for professors to speak out against government actions that may impair freedom.

  6. Erosion of Democracy: The actions of the Trump administration were seen as an attack on the core foundations of freedom, leading many Danes to question the shared democratic values between the U.S. and Denmark.

  7. Soft Power and International Relations: The author highlights the importance of international knowledge sharing and soft power, which have been more effective in extending America’s influence than military power. The incident has been a lesson in civics and the erosion of American democracy, as observed by the Danish media.

  8. Impact on International Perception: The episode has had unintended consequences, potentially enhancing the understanding of America and its current political climate, as seen through the lens of the Danish media.

Silencing Free Asia Radio: Trump Does What China Wants

Radio Free Asia (RFA) has been a crucial source of uncensored news in regions like China, North Korea, and Myanmar, where independent journalism is suppressed. Established in 1996 by the U.S. government in response to China’s Tiananmen Square massacre, RFA has provided vital information to millions of people in these regions, despite severe censorship and surveillance by authoritarian regimes.

However, RFA is now on the brink of extinction due to administrative cuts by the Trump administration. On March 15, the U.S. Agency for Global Media canceled RFA’s $60 million grant, leading to the termination of contracts with nearly all of its 463 on-the-ground stringers and the furlough of over three-quarters of its 391 full-time staff. This has resulted in minimal news production and the closure of entire services in some languages.

While the U.S. is reducing its support for free press in China, China is expanding its global disinformation campaign, investing billions annually in media influence. This includes radio programs in 50 languages and a television network operating in over 70 countries. China also provides content to media outlets in Africa, the Pacific region, and Southeast Asia, and reportedly pays non-Chinese influencers to promote topics like tourism in Xinjiang, home to the repressed Uyghur minority.

RFA’s survival is crucial for U.S. interests, as China is considered a central threat to U.S. security. RFA’s on-the-ground journalism has exposed inconvenient truths about the Chinese Communist Party, such as the mass detentions in Xinjiang and the secret police stations in New York. These revelations have led to international attention and actions, including the U.S. declaration of genocide against Uyghur citizens.

The sacrifices made by RFA reporters are immense, including cutting family ties, imprisonment, torture, and exile. Despite these risks, they continue to report the truth. If RFA is silenced, the official narratives of dictators and despots may go unchecked, leaving brave sources without a platform to expose the truth. RFA is fighting for its survival, recently winning a court order to release its funds, though the order has been appealed and funds have not yet been received.

U.S.-China Trade Truce Does Not Improve U.S. Economic Uncertainty

The United States and China announced a temporary reduction in tariffs, lifting a de facto trade embargo that had been in place for a month. This move is expected to prevent empty shelves and limit price increases for American consumers during the holiday season, leading to a global surge in stock prices. However, the deal does little to alleviate the economic uncertainty that has plagued the U.S. economy since President Trump took office. Trump’s unpredictable trade policies, characterized by frequent reversals and high tariffs, have created significant uncertainty, discouraging companies from hiring and investing. Economists and business leaders remain cautious, as the deal is not legally binding and could be reversed at any time. The short-term nature of the agreement limits its benefits, with companies hesitant to make long-term commitments due to the potential for further changes in tariff rates. The Federal Reserve and other policymakers are also in a wait-and-see mode, unable to chart a clear path forward due to the constant changes in trade policy.

Original Sin: The New Book Exposes Biden’s Decline and His Disastrous Decision to Run Again

The book “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again” by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson details the cognitive decline of President Joe Biden and the efforts by his inner circle to conceal it. The authors argue that Biden’s decision to run for re-election in 2024 was a catastrophic mistake, exacerbated by his declining mental state and the subsequent cover-up by his aides. The book highlights the first presidential debate in 2024, where Biden’s frailty was starkly evident, contrasting sharply with Donald Trump’s aggressive performance. The authors interviewed approximately 200 people, including high-level insiders, to reveal how Biden’s close circle enabled his decision to run again despite clear signs of cognitive deterioration. The book also discusses the political and personal reasons behind the cover-up, including the fear of a second Trump term and the family’s unwavering belief in Biden’s ability to rise again. The authors criticize the lack of transparency and the deliberate attempts to mislead the public about Biden’s condition, describing it as a tragic failure of communication in a democracy.

Hope and Despair, Prosperity and Decline: Two Chinas Americans Should Know

The article discusses the dual nature of China as perceived by Americans, highlighting two contrasting images: one of a technological and manufacturing superpower poised to lead the world, and another of an economy on the brink of collapse. The hopeful China is represented by innovative companies like DeepSeek, BYD, and Huawei, while the gloomy China is characterized by sluggish consumer spending, rising unemployment, and a chronic housing crisis. The article emphasizes the importance for Americans to understand both aspects of China, as the country’s economic and technological advancements do not necessarily translate into overall economic stability. The trade war between the U.S. and China adds complexity, with China’s higher pain threshold and resilience in the face of economic challenges. The article also notes the human cost of China’s rapid development, including overcapacity, unemployment, and the reliance on exports. The Chinese government’s focus on technological self-reliance and industrial capacity is seen as exacerbating these issues, rather than addressing them. The article concludes by highlighting the personal stories of individuals affected by China’s economic struggles, underscoring the broader impact of these challenges on ordinary citizens.

China’s First Corgi Police Dog “Fuza”: 400,000 Fans, Patrols and Steals Sausages from Children

China’s first police corgi, Fu Zai, has gained significant popularity with 400,000 followers on social media. Initially a pet, Fu Zai was recruited by a dog trainer and joined the Weifang Public Security Bureau in Shandong. Known for his keen sense of smell and short legs, Fu Zai excels in detecting explosives and can access tight spaces that larger dogs cannot. Despite his love for food, which sometimes leads to mischief, Fu Zai has become a beloved figure, often featured on the bureau’s official Douyin account. Experts note that corgis are challenging to train due to their curiosity and prey drive, but Fu Zai’s unique abilities have made him an asset to the police force. His trainer, Zhao Qingshuai, initially doubted corgis’ suitability for police work but was impressed by Fu Zai’s skills. The corgi’s popularity and effectiveness in police duties have made him a social media star, with his future likely to include more public appearances and training challenges.

Xi Jinping Says China Will Expand Cooperation with Latin America in “Emerging Areas”

China has traditionally relied on Latin America for commodities like oil, iron ore, and soybeans, which drive economic growth but also cause frustration due to over-reliance on these sectors. Chinese President Xi Jinping recently addressed Latin American leaders, emphasizing the need to expand cooperation in emerging areas such as clean energy, telecommunications, and artificial intelligence. This comes amidst a backdrop of trade tensions with the U.S., with Xi positioning China as a reliable partner in a turbulent world. Xi also highlighted China’s commitment to increasing imports from Latin America and encouraging Chinese investment in the region. Other leaders, including Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Chile’s Gabriel Boric, echoed the importance of multilateralism and dialogue over unilateral impositions. Lula specifically mentioned the need for equitable access to technology and clean energy. Chinese companies have announced significant investments in Brazil, including in renewable energy and satellite technology. The U.S. has been actively countering Chinese influence in Latin America, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio visiting multiple countries in the region. Xi’s speech also subtly addressed controversies, such as the Panama Canal, emphasizing China’s support for Latin American sovereignty.

Trump Coin

A struggling technology company with ties to China and TikTok announced plans to buy up to $300 million in $TRUMP, a cryptocurrency marketed by President Trump. This move raises ethical concerns as the profits from Trump’s crypto ventures directly benefit his family. The company, GD Culture Group, has only eight employees and recorded zero revenue last year. The purchase would be funded by a stock sale to an unnamed entity in the British Virgin Islands, a known tax haven. The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny over Trump’s business dealings with foreign countries, including a $2 billion crypto deal with a firm backed by the United Arab Emirates. The Trump family has faced backlash for these ventures, which some argue are a way for foreign investors to support the president financially.

Trump’s Tariff Strategy’s Limitations Highlighted by US-China Trade Truce

The article discusses the limitations of President Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy against China. The high tariffs imposed on Chinese goods, reaching up to 145%, caused significant disruptions in trade and forced companies to reroute their business globally. This led to economic pain for both American and Chinese businesses, with some American importers facing bankruptcy and Chinese factories shutting down.

The tariffs were ultimately deemed unsustainable by Trump’s administration, leading to a reduction in tariffs. The two countries agreed to lower tariffs significantly, with China’s import duty on American goods dropping from 125% to 10%, and the U.S. reducing its tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%. Despite this, the article questions whether the trade disruptions and economic pain were worth the concessions made.

The article also highlights the strategic limitations of Trump’s approach, noting that while he aimed to extract quick economic concessions, his strategy faltered when facing a similarly powerful economic entity. The temporary reduction in tariffs provides some relief for businesses but does little to ease long-term uncertainty. The two governments have until mid-August to make progress toward a trade deal, with Trump threatening to raise tariffs again if no agreement is reached.

Trade experts and officials express skepticism about the effectiveness of the 90-day window for substantial progress, given the complexity and breadth of the trade issues between the U.S. and China. The article concludes by noting that the Trump administration may seek to revive the 2020 trade deal, which included significant Chinese purchases of American products, but ultimately did not fulfill those commitments.

Will a Flood of Goods Enter the U.S. as China Cuts Tariffs?

The article discusses the impact of fluctuating tariff policies on global shipping and supply chains, particularly focusing on the recent tariff adjustments between the U.S. and China. Key points include:

  1. Tariff Adjustments: The Trump administration lowered tariffs on many Chinese imports to 30% from 145%, and China reduced its tariffs on American goods to 10% from 125%. These changes are temporary, lasting 90 days, and could revert if no deal is reached.

  2. Supply Chain Disruptions: The volatile tariff policies have caused significant stress for global shipping companies and supply chain partners, leading to ongoing disruptions and uncertainty.

  3. Immediate Response: Executives like Jay Foreman of Basic Fun immediately began shipping goods to avoid higher tariffs, potentially leading to a surge in imports to the U.S. over the next three months.

  4. Logistical Challenges: While global shipping lines and American ports are capable of handling high volumes, the tight timeline and potential for further tariff changes add to the complexity.

  5. Economic Impact: The 30% tariff, though lower, is still high by historical standards. Importers may decide to pay it only for essential goods, while others might rush shipments across the board, potentially leading to price increases for consumers.

  6. Historical Context: Recent years have seen multiple shocks to supply chains, including the COVID-19 pandemic, water shortages affecting the Panama Canal, attacks on ships in the Red Sea, and labor strikes in the U.S.

  7. Industry Adaptation: Despite these challenges, the shipping industry has adapted by purchasing new vessels, providing spare capacity to handle surges and disruptions.

  8. Trade Data: The impact of Trump’s tariffs is evident in trade data, with a significant drop in container bookings from China to the U.S. in recent weeks.

  9. Future Outlook: Shipping lines may need to reorganize their networks, potentially leading to a short-term increase in shipping rates due to strained capacity.

Trump 2.0 Era: A More Unrestrained and Unbridled President

Trump’s second term as president has raised significant ethical and legal concerns, particularly with his administration’s plan to accept a $400 million luxury jet from the Qatari royal family. This move is seen as part of a broader pattern of disregard for traditional norms and legal constraints, emboldened by a Supreme Court ruling granting immunity to presidents for their official actions and Trump’s stronghold on the Republican Party, which makes impeachment unlikely.

The administration has also faced scrutiny for other actions, including the Trump inaugural committee raising $239 million from wealthy business interests, the launch of a meme cryptocurrency $TRUMP, and the auctioning of face-to-face access to Trump through the sale of the coin. These actions have raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and the misuse of public office for personal gain.

Additionally, the Trump administration has taken steps to weaken law enforcement, such as disbanding a Justice Department unit dedicated to investigating cryptocurrency crimes and suspending enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Attorney General Pam Bondi, a former highly paid lobbyist for Qatar, has also narrowed the enforcement of a law requiring lobbyists for foreign governments to register and disclose their payments.

The administration’s actions have been compared to previous instances of corruption and misuse of power, but the current situation is notable for the openness with which Trump and his associates are leveraging his position for personal benefits. This includes pressuring law firms to donate millions in free legal services, extracting money from tech companies, and settling lawsuits with media organizations.

Trump’s plan for the Qatari plane involves using it as Air Force One until the end of his presidency and then transferring it to his presidential museum foundation. This raises questions about the potential for continued personal use of the plane and the benefits to the U.S. government. Trump has also indicated that he views the plane as a quid pro quo for the security the U.S. provides to Qatar.

A Trade War Xi Jinping Has Long Awaited

Xi Jinping has been strategically preparing for a trade conflict with the United States, aiming to shift the global economic balance in China’s favor. In 2020, Xi laid out a plan to dominate key global supplies, making adversaries think twice about imposing tariffs or cutting economic ties. China has since ramped up exports and strengthened its manufacturing base, using economic tools like export controls and blacklists against American companies. The current trade war has put pressure on the U.S. due to potential shortages and price increases, while China faces economic challenges and potential job losses. Xi views the conflict as a test of his authority and a validation of his long-term strategy to make China a global superpower. However, this approach has strained relations with trading partners and may not achieve the desired economic balance. Experts question whether Xi’s aggressive stance is beneficial, given China’s current global standing and the potential for further international isolation.

Xi Jinping Meets with Brazilian President, Courts Latin American Allies

China’s President Xi Jinping is hosting Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and other Latin American leaders in Beijing to reinforce China’s presence in the region. This move comes as the U.S. under President Trump seeks to align Latin American countries more closely with Washington, echoing the Monroe Doctrine. Many Latin American governments view China as a crucial economic partner and a counterweight to U.S. influence. China’s assistant foreign minister, Miao Deyu, emphasized Latin America’s pursuit of independence and self-determination, contrasting it with the U.S.’s “new Monroe Doctrine.”

The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has stated that the Trump administration prioritizes the Americas, but Trump’s tariffs and threats have unsettled Latin American leaders. China’s engagement with Latin America includes significant trade and investment, with China becoming a major purchaser of minerals and resources from the region. Brazil and other countries hope to replicate the increased trade with China that occurred during Trump’s first term due to U.S. tariffs.

Trade between China and Latin America reached nearly $519 billion in 2024, double the value a decade ago. However, some Latin American countries have increased tariffs on Chinese imports to protect local industries. Mexico, despite its larger trade ties with the U.S., is seeing a surge in Chinese exports, particularly cars. China’s presence in Mexico is significant, and Mexican elites are torn between their relationships with the U.S. and China.

Xi Jinping is optimistic about maintaining strong ties with Lula and other Latin American leaders through continued trade and investment. Lula hopes China can help Brazil advance in new technologies. Xi’s state visits to Brazil and his expected attendance at the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro this year underscore China’s commitment to the region. The U.S.’s infrequent high-level visits to Latin America are seen as a strategic disadvantage. China may focus on increasing orders for Brazilian goods like soybeans, which are crucial for Brazil’s economic stability.

Back 2025.03.14 Donate