‘The sky won’t fall’: China shrugs off Donald Trump’s tariffs as exports surge

China has brushed aside concerns over the impact of US tariffs on its exports, even as tensions between Beijing and Washington continue to unsettle global markets. Chinese official Lyu said, “The sky won’t fall” for Chinese exports, adding, “These efforts have not only supported our partners’ development but also enhanced our own resilience.”

Despite the latest tariff hike, China’s customs department said the country’s “vast domestic market” would serve as a stabilising force. “China will turn domestic certainty into a buffer against global volatility,” the customs report noted.

China’s exports saw a sharp rise last month, reflecting a likely rush to ship goods ahead of Donald Trump’s “liberation day” tariffs, which risk escalating into a full-scale trade war between the world’s two biggest economies.

Stock markets climbed on Monday, buoyed by signs of easing restrictions on electronics.

While some exemptions were offered for electronics over the weekend, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified that smartphones, laptops, and semiconductors could still face future levies. “These devices would be included in the semiconductor tariffs which are coming in probably a month or two,” Lutnick said.

Trump reaffirmed the tough stance in a post on Truth Social, writing: “NOBODY is getting ‘off the hook’,” and warned that the current 20% smartphone levies could still rise.

Xi: “There are no winners in a trade war”

Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping, who began a Southeast Asian diplomatic tour, called for a return to cooperation. In a joint editorial published in Vietnamese and Chinese state media, Xi wrote: “There are no winners in a trade war, or a tariff war.”

He added, “Our two countries should resolutely safeguard the multilateral trading system, stable global industrial and supply chains, and open and cooperative international environment.”

No talks planned, despite optimism

Despite escalating tensions, the White House says President Trump remains “optimistic” about reaching a trade deal. However, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on CBS that “we don’t have any plans” for talks between Trump and Xi.

Greer added that the administration is in negotiations with several other countries. “We’re working around the clock, day and night, sharing paper, receiving offers and giving feedback,” he said.

China pushes back, urges US to change course

Following a sharp drop in US stock markets on April 5, triggered by China’s announcement of retaliatory tariffs, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun urged Washington to rethink its approach. “Now is the time for the U.S. to stop doing the wrong things and resolve the differences with trading partners through equal-footed consultation,” Guo posted on social media.