Archive · 16 Jan 2026
US Businesses Worry More About China Slowdown Than Trump Tariffs
American businesses are more worried about China's economic slowdown than President Trump's trade policies, according to a survey.
China's economy is growing slowly, with weak factory output, retail sales, and consumer demand.
This is bad news for American companies that sell goods and services to Chinese consumers.
The survey found that 64% of businesses are concerned about China's slow growth, while 58% see US-China trade tensions as a key challenge.
China's economy is expected to grow even slower in the next few years, which could hurt American exports.
American businesses are more concerned about China's economic slowdown than Trump's trade war, according to a survey.
China reported a record trade surplus of $1.19 trillion in 2025, but key economic indicators like factory output, retail sales, and fixed-asset investment have declined.
China's GDP growth is expected to slow from 4.9% in 2025 to 4.5% in 2026 and 2027.
64% of surveyed companies cited slowing growth in China as their top concern, while 58% identified US-China trade tensions as a key challenge.
Chinese consumer demand fell to its lowest level since 2009 in 2025, with consumer confidence near historic lows and stagnant household incomes.
- Who
- American businesses and the American Chamber of Commerce in China
- What
- The top concerns for American businesses in 2026, with a focus on China's economic slowdown and US-China trade tensions
- When
- 2026 and beyond, with data from 2025
- Where
- United States and China
- Why
- To understand the primary economic challenges and their potential impacts on American businesses
- Top Concern for US Businesses in 2026
- China's economic slowdown
- China's 2025 Trade Surplus
- $1.19 trillion
- China's 2025 GDP Growth
- 4.9%
- China's Projected 2026 GDP Growth
- 4.5%
- Percentage of Companies Citing China Slowdown as Top Concern
- 64%
- Percentage of Companies Citing US-China Trade Tensions as Key Challenge
- 58%
- Chinese Consumer Demand in 2025
- Lowest since 2009
- Months of Factory Deflation in China (as of December 2025)
- 39
