U.S. Tariff Turmoil: How plastic enterprises in east China's Taizhou are bouncing back amid reciprocal tariffs

East China's Zhejiang Province is China's manufacturing powerhouse. U.S.-China trade disputes are forcing local plastic factories and entrepreneurs to be more resilient in how they adapt and innovate. Zheng Songwu reports.

Yu Feilong runs a plastic company that produces at least 100,000 kinds of Christmas ornaments in Taizhou City, eastern China's Zhejiang Province. Nearly 50 percent of its products were exported to American markets. Since the reciprocal tariffs imposed by Trump's administration began, the company has been in a dilemma.

YU FEILONG General Manager Taizhou Teamyouth Arts & Crafts Company "The reciprocal tariffs have caused unprecedented pressure on us in the warehouse and finance. It's been the toughest time since our company was founded 35 years ago."

Their orders were all suspended when tariffs hit 124 percent in April. Thus the company had to overstock the products that had been produced. Taizhou's over 13,000 enterprises have been impacted by tariffs. Entrepreneurs including Yu Feilong are seeking ways to minimize losses.

YU FEILONG General Manager Taizhou Teamyouth Arts & Crafts Company "First, we expanded into more international markets. Customers from South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia visited us at the Canton Fair recently. Second, we innovated with products with intellectual property rights in advance since we were also affected by Trump's first administration. Third, we also sold our products to domestic purchasers."

The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Zhejiang has also taken measures to help enterprises in the region.

LI CHUNHUA Deputy Director, Commercial Legal Service Center CCPIT Zhejiang Provincial Committee "Through the 'Overseas Liaison Network,' which includes 58 overseas liaison offices and 188 foreign friendly chambers of commerce, enterprises can directly connect with overseas legal resources. Enterprises can access foreign-related commercial legal services via 45 hot-lines at any time through the 'Grassroots Collaboration Network.' The first-ever 'Foreign-Related Commercial Mediation Promotion Month' will be held on May 8."

CCPIT Zhejiang also recommends that enterprises refine their international trade contracts, such as avoiding using Delivered Duty Paid terms. They can also utilize the benefits of China's 23 Free Trade Agreements with 30 countries and regions. Zheng Songwu, CGTN, Zhejiang Province.