Core Viewpoint - China's foreign trade industry is facing unprecedented challenges due to the imposition of tariffs by the United States, leading to significant disruptions in global markets and prompting companies to seek new strategies to navigate these difficulties [1][22]. Group 1: Impact of Tariffs on Companies - Companies are experiencing a sharp decline in orders, with a reported 30%-40% decrease in order volume and around 20% of production capacity idled due to increased tariffs [5][10]. - For example, a cable manufacturing company in Zhejiang, which previously generated over 1 billion RMB in sales, is now facing a drastic reduction in sales from millions to hundreds of thousands of dollars due to halted orders from American clients [3][5]. Group 2: Strategic Adjustments - In response to the tariff impacts, companies are rapidly shifting their focus to markets outside the U.S., establishing representative offices in countries like the UK, Germany, and Brazil to expand their business [6][8]. - A long-term strategy to develop non-U.S. markets was already in place, with performance incentives established to encourage employees to pursue opportunities beyond the American market [6][8]. Group 3: Domestic Market Opportunities - The domestic market is seen as a crucial alternative, with domestic consumption contributing over 60% to GDP, providing a strong foundation for companies to pivot away from reliance on U.S. orders [12][22]. - Companies are innovating and upgrading their products to meet domestic demand, with one furniture company successfully launching new products and utilizing trade fairs to penetrate the domestic market [14][15]. Group 4: Digital Transformation and Marketing Innovation - Companies are leveraging digital platforms and social media to enhance their marketing strategies, with one company successfully using short videos and live streaming to attract customers and secure orders [17][19]. - The shift towards online sales channels has allowed companies to establish a more targeted approach to marketing, resulting in significant order volumes from e-commerce platforms [20]. Group 5: Overall Trade Trends - China's foreign trade is showing signs of diversification, with a reported 5.26 trillion RMB in trade with Belt and Road Initiative countries in the first quarter, reflecting a 2.2% year-on-year increase [22]. - Despite the challenges posed by U.S. tariffs, Chinese foreign trade enterprises are actively seeking new markets and products, indicating resilience and adaptability in the face of external pressures [22].
焦点访谈 | 突围拓展多元市场，中国外贸企业“两条腿”跑出广阔新天地