Between Beijing and Washington: A Sharp Decline in Trade Volume to its Lowest Levels

Lebanon Today

The latest economic data indicates a notable decrease in the volume of trade between the United States and China in recent months. This decline is attributed to the escalation of the trade war launched by US President “Donald Trump” again since his return to the White House in early 2025.

According to data from the General Administration of Chinese Customs, Chinese exports to the United States fell by 18% during the first nine months of 2025, reaching $317 billion. This figure represents the lowest level in five years, reflecting the continued deterioration since the start of the trade war between the two countries in 2017. This decrease represents an amount of approximately $131 billion compared to 2022, equivalent to a decline of 29%.

The data also shows a 50% decrease in small parcel shipments since April 2025, reaching $1.15 billion in September 2025. At the same time, exports of “LCD” televisions recorded a sharp decline of 73% during the third quarter of the same year. These figures confirm the significant impact of US tariff policies on the world’s largest economies.

Trade relations are further complicated by a series of reciprocal measures between the two parties. After “Trump” imposed tariffs exceeding 100% on Chinese goods and tightened restrictions on Beijing’s access to American technology, China responded with similar measures, including reducing exports of rare metals used in strategic industries.

“Trump” is preparing for a direct confrontation during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum summit, scheduled to be held in South Korea between October 31 and November 1, where he will meet Chinese President “Xi Jinping”. Many experts hope that the summit will contribute to calming the trade war and restoring economic relations between the world’s largest economies to their normal course, after weeks of tension and costly economic clashes on both sides.