中美关税战将如何演绎？｜宏观经济

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rapid shift in the U.S. stance on tariffs against China, moving from extreme pressure to seeking negotiations, raising questions about the underlying motives and the future of the trade war [1][10]. Tariff Motivations - The U.S. has imposed tariffs as a means to reduce a trade deficit projected to reach $1.2 trillion by 2024, viewing it as a loss to the U.S. economy [3]. - The potential revenue from "reciprocal tariffs" could amount to approximately $500 billion, which would help alleviate the federal government's debt burden [3]. - Long-term strategic goals include promoting the return of manufacturing to the U.S. and weakening competitors, although the effectiveness of these goals remains uncertain [4]. Trade Relations and Economic Impact - In 2024, China is expected to export around $480 billion to the U.S. while importing about $140 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of approximately $330 billion for China [6]. - The imposition of tariffs has led to a "decoupling" of trade, significantly affecting both countries' economies, with the U.S. facing supply shortages and rising prices [7][8]. Consequences of Decoupling - The "decoupling" model has resulted in a significant reduction in U.S. imports from China, particularly in high-tech and resource products, leading to increased reliance on other countries like Canada for energy [7]. - The anticipated loss of tax revenue from tariffs due to reduced trade could constrain U.S. government finances, impacting its ability to support farmers and manage debt [8]. - The U.S. market is likely to experience supply shocks and inflation, with consumer goods prices expected to rise due to disrupted supply chains [8]. Negotiation Dynamics - The article suggests that the U.S. is eager to enter negotiations with China to address trade imbalances, particularly in energy and agricultural products [12][13]. - The negotiation process is expected to be complex and fraught with challenges, as past behaviors of the U.S. government indicate a tendency to revert to tariff increases during discussions [15]. - The U.S. aims to maximize its interests during negotiations, which may include unreasonable demands, while China is prepared to respond firmly and maintain its principles [18][19]. Economic Outlook - The article predicts that the U.S. economy may face stagnation and inflation due to the impacts of tariffs and the decoupling model, with potential recession risks in the latter half of the year [9][16]. - In contrast, China is expected to maintain stable growth despite facing some overcapacity and deflationary pressures, leveraging its strong manufacturing base and domestic market potential [16][17].