During a discussion on US trade policies, experts focused on Donald Trump’s remarks about potentially increasing tariffs on Chinese goods. The average tariff rate on Chinese imports in the US already reaches 51%, and experts say further increases would be economically impractical. China, in turn, finds ways to circumvent tariffs, including repackaging goods in Vietnam or Laos to avoid extra taxes.
The conversation also highlighted the strategic importance of rare earth metals for the tech industry. China’s significant control over this market gives it additional leverage in international trade.
The experts touched on the hypothetical partnership between India and China. Enhanced economic cooperation could allow India to experience rapid growth similar to China in the early 2000s.
Regarding BRICS, experts note weak cooperation among member states due to conflicting interests. Greater BRICS influence is only possible under China’s leadership and unified strategy, which currently seems unlikely.
