April 29, 2025 
China’s economy faces mounting challenges as escalating trade tensions with the United States threaten to derail its post-pandemic recovery. While the nation reported a robust 5.4% GDP growth in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing expectations, analysts warn that the momentum may not be sustainable in the face of new U.S. tariffs and retaliatory measures.
Trade War Intensifies
On April 2, the U.S. administration imposed sweeping tariffs, including a 10% baseline rate on imports from most countries and significantly higher rates—up to 245%—on certain Chinese goods. In response, China retaliated with 125% levies on U.S. imports, effectively imposing a trade embargo on each other’s goods.  
These measures have significantly disrupted global supply chains, with cargo shipments from China to the U.S. plummeting by up to 60%.
Economic Indicators and Forecasts
Despite the strong first-quarter performance, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has downgraded China’s growth forecast to 4.0% for both this year and next, citing threats from U.S. tariffs and trade policy uncertainty. 
The IMF also warns that the global economy is projected to slow to 2.8% in 2025, 0.5 percentage points lower than earlier estimates, with only a modest rebound to 3% in 2026. 
Corporate Impact and Consumer Prices
Major companies are already feeling the pinch. Retailers such as Shein, Target, and Walmart have announced or are considering price increases due to the tariffs. Automakers like Ford and Volkswagen have raised vehicle prices in response to the 25% tariff on car imports. 
The Tax Foundation estimates that the tariffs amount to an average tax increase of nearly $1,300 per U.S. household in 2025, reducing after-tax incomes by 1.2% on average. 
Policy Responses and Outlook
In response to the economic pressures, President Xi Jinping has unveiled a comprehensive plan to bolster the Chinese economy. Key measures include boosting unemployment benefits, increasing incomes for low and middle-income groups, enhancing financing support for enterprises, and stimulating domestic demand.
However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, as the trade war continues to cast a long shadow over China’s economic prospects.
As the situation evolves, both nations face mounting pressure to find a resolution to the trade dispute, with global economic stability hanging in the balance.