China’s Commerce Minister, Wang Wentao recently held separate discussions with his counterparts – Saudi Arabia’s Commerce Minister Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi and South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau.
The meeting aimed to exchange views on responding to the U.S.’s “reciprocal tariffs”
The talks signal a broader push by China to rally support among key partners in the Global South as trade frictions with the U.S. show no signs of easing.
The talks also centered on reinforcing trade ties, advancing cooperation on key economic initiatives, and promoting a stable international trade environment.
With Saudi Arabia, China aims to boost trade with Gulf Cooperation Council member states, highlighting shared goals in energy, infrastructure, and digital trade.
In discussions with South Africa, Wang emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts within platforms like the G20 and BRICS to support open trade and inclusive economic growth.
US tariff push and global trade
The United States’ aggressive tariff strategy—now imposing levies of up to 104% on Chinese imports—is shaking global trade dynamics and injecting fresh uncertainty into already fragile supply chains.
The sweeping measures come as China remains the U.S.’s second-largest source of imports, having shipped $439 billion worth of goods last year, compared to $144 billion in U.S. exports to China.
The escalating trade war not only threatens both economies but also risks triggering layoffs and disrupting industrial sectors reliant on cross-border commerce.
Defending the move, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described it as a necessary counter to what she called China’s continued exploitation of American workers.
“Countries like China, who have chosen to retaliate and double down on their mistreatment of American workers, are making a mistake,” she told reporters.
“President Trump has a spine of steel, and he will not break.” Leavitt added that “the Chinese want to make a deal — they just don’t know how to do it,” but declined to outline any potential terms the administration would consider for lifting the tariffs.
China’s export-driven economy is under increasing pressure.
The tariffs threaten its manufacturing base, destabilize investment sentiment, and rattle global supply chains.
Meanwhile, the ripple effects are being felt across Africa, where many countries depend heavily on Chinese imports for infrastructure, consumer goods, and industrial inputs.
Rising costs, shipping delays, and growing market volatility now pose serious risks to inflation control and economic recovery across the continent.
This new era of protectionism could prompt a broader realignment of trade relationships, strengthen South-South cooperation, and accelerate the shift away from U.S.-centered trade structures—reshaping the geopolitical and economic landscape in the process.
