Council for the Promotion of International Trade: Global economic and trade frictions have significantly intensified, and the import and export tariff measures index soared by 89 points year-on-year

Source: First Financial

### U.S. Tariff Policies Sharply Escalate Global Trade Frictions  

**June 27** – The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) released its latest Global Economic and Trade Friction Index, showing a significant surge in global trade tensions. In April, the index climbed to **131**, with related measures involving a **37.6% year-on-year (YoY)** and **16% month-on-month (MoM)** increase in financial impact.  

Wang Linjie, CCPIT spokesperson, attributed the rise primarily to the U.S. government’s so-called **"reciprocal tariffs"** imposed on April 2, citing trade deficits and non-tariff barriers as justification. Additional restrictive measures introduced that month further exacerbated tensions.  

#### Key Data Highlights:  

- **Global import/export tariff measures index surged 89 points YoY**, with China-related measures spiking **131 points**.  

- **The U.S. trade friction index rose 65 points YoY**, with its tariff measures index skyrocketing **199 points** and China-specific tariffs up **200 points**.  

- **Electronic, transportation equipment, light industry, chemicals, machinery, pharmaceuticals, non-ferrous metals, and agriculture** were the most affected sectors. Electronics ranked highest in friction intensity.  

- **105 new tariff measures** were implemented globally (**+483% YoY, +250% MoM**), alongside **24 trade restrictions (+60% YoY)** and **22 trade remedy investigations**.  

- **WTO received 96 TBT/SPS notifications**, reflecting growing technical barriers.  

Wang noted that **U.S. unilateral actions triggered a "broken window effect,"** prompting other economies like the **EU (+79.3% MoM in restrictions), Canada, and India (+100% YoY)** to follow suit.  

#### China-Specific Frictions:  

- **19 countries/regions recorded a China-related friction index of 153**, with the U.S. leading.  

- Measures targeting China’s **electronics, light industry, machinery, transportation, and textiles** were most severe.  

#### Resilience in China’s Trade:  

Despite pressures, China’s foreign trade showed robust growth in May 2025:  

- **CCPIT issued 639,400 certificates (+12.51% YoY)**, including:  

 - **$7.911B in preferential origin certificates (+36.05% YoY)**.  

 - **22,937 RCEP origin certificates (+21.75% YoY)**, underscoring the pact’s role in stabilizing trade.  

Wang emphasized that **RCEP and other FTAs have bolstered exporters’ confidence**, enabling them to navigate challenges and expand markets.  

#### U.S.-China Business Ties Defy Tensions:  

- **67% of U.S. firms in China plan to stay**, per the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China).  

- **Shanghai AmCham’s Zheng Yi** highlighted private-sector resilience as a driving force for cooperation.  

- **CCPIT hosted 22 U.S. business delegations in 2025**, with executives expressing optimism about China’s prospects.  

**Upcoming Initiatives:**  

- **3rd Supply Chain Expo (CSCE)**: U.S. exhibitors increased by **15%**, with participation from Fortune 500 CEOs.  

- **2,500 Chinese firms attended 30+ U.S. trade shows** in H1 2025, covering sectors like electronics, textiles, and green tech.  

- **20th anniversary of U.S.-China CMP program**: Events on green tech, rail, mining, and autos planned for Q3 2025.  

Wang concluded: *"U.S.-China cooperation has never ceased. Our business communities, as stakeholders, are sailing together through storms—ever closer and more determined."*  

**Disclaimer**: Views expressed are the author’s alone. Accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed. No liability is assumed for losses arising from reliance on this content.