President Donald Trump’s tariffs are reportedly causing significant turmoil in China, leading to protests from workers over unpaid wages and layoffs.
A report details that this unrest stems from Trump’s tariffs, which are as high as 145%. Hundreds of workers have taken to the streets, demanding their wages following the abrupt closure of a factory.
“Their economy is falling apart.”
One worker from an electronics factory mentioned that they haven’t been paid since early 2025 and haven’t received Social Security benefits since June 2023.
Others who worked in various Chinese factories are experiencing similar layoffs and issues with unpaid wages and benefits.
Shan Hui, an economist at Goldman Sachs, estimates that about 16 million individuals are involved in producing goods for the US market.
“Prices for goods need to decrease to address the surplus created by US importers,” Shan noted.
Prior to the implementation of these tariffs, China’s economy appeared to be on a steady upward trajectory.
Sheng Laiyun, Deputy Director of the National Bureau of Statistics, previously stated that “the national economy is off to a stable, good start,” but he also acknowledged that the external environment is becoming increasingly complicated and that there’s a lack of sufficient momentum for domestic demand growth.
Goldman Sachs forecasts that Trump’s tariffs will have a “really heavy” impact on China’s economy.
Senator Mark Wayne Mullin (R-Okla.) commended Trump for his stance against China.
Recently, Trump reaffirmed his intention to maintain the tariffs, stating during an NBC News interview, “Why would I drop them?”
When pressed on when he might reduce them, Trump acknowledged that at some point, he would need to lower them, as the situation required it. “Their economy is really struggling,” he added.
