Forecasting the U.S.-China Trade Relationship

May 28, 2021

ROGERS — A fair, rules-based commercial relationship between the U.S. and China will benefit the world and allow both nations to work on common issues, according to Anna Ashton, vice president of the U.S.-China Business Council (USCBC).

Ashton led a webinar May 25 that focused on the Biden administration’s approach to the multi-dimensional China challenge. The webinar was moderated by Denise Thomas, director of Africa and Middle East trade at the World Trade Center Arkansas.

Founded in 1973, USCBC is a private, non-partisan, non-profit organization working to expand the U.S.-China commercial relationship. Its membership includes more than 200 American companies doing business with China.

The US-China commercial relationship is at a crucial juncture. Over $500 billion in reciprocal tariffs remain in place, weighing on US competitiveness, jobs and economic growth, according to the USBC.

“It’s in the best interest of America and the Chinese people and the world for this relationship to find a new normal — that is predictable and allows for significant commercial engagement,” Ashton said.

The USBC notes that trade tensions have increasingly blurred the lines between commercial and national security domains. Yet China remains the United States’ third largest trade partner, and Arkansas’ fourth largest.

In 2019, Arkansas exports to China supported over 5,000 American jobs, USBC data shows. Arkansas goods and services exported to China grew by 11% and 143%, respectively, in 2020.

Thomas noted she doesn’t see China as “more risky” than any other export destination.

“There’s an inherent risk in exporting anywhere in the world,” Thomas said. “Just do your research, seek out good trade partners and be prepared.”

The mission of the World Trade Center Arkansas is to grow trade and increase Arkansas exports by connecting Arkansas businesses to the world through international trade services.

The center is part of the University of Arkansas and serves as the official trade promotion arm for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. For more information and valuable updates, please follow the center on Facebook and Twitter or subscribe to the World Trade Center Arkansas newsletter.

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