Helen-Ann Smith

4 weeks ago | blackcountryradio.co.uk | Helen-Ann Smith |In Beijing

Economists had predicted that gross domestic product would grow by about 5.1% in January to March, compared with a year earlier. In the end, it grew 5.4%. But these impressive figures obscure the very serious challenges China's economy is facing in the wake of Donald Tump's trade war - and it is almost certain growth will not remain this strong as the year goes on. The worst of Trump's tariffs came into force in April, meaning they were not reflected in these figures.

1 month ago | news.sky.com | Helen-Ann Smith

China's most recent retaliation raises the stakes, but it does so within what are now relatively predictable parameters. The latest tariff hike follows the pattern we have seen throughout the week, when Chinese retaliation has exactly matched what Donald Trump has done. There is, however, one key difference to the announcement this time. China has said that anything further is just a "numbers game" and they will simply ignore any subsequent raises from Trump.

1 month ago | news.sky.com | Helen-Ann Smith

Another day, another escalation. China awoke to the news tariffs on its exports to America are now at a whopping 125%, and the ball is now back in its court. Will it retaliate further? China responding has, up until now, been expected. Leaders here have clearly decided to take a stand and they're likely to keep seeing that through. But there are big questions about what escalation now looks like, how far could things spiral and what, if any, are the off-ramps?

1 month ago | news.sky.com | Helen-Ann Smith

The severity cannot be overstated, if an additional 50% tariffs are levied on all Chinese goods it will decimate trade between the world's two biggest economies. In total, it means all Chinese goods would face tariffs of over 100%, some as high as 120%. It's a price that makes any trade almost impossible. China is really the only nation in the world at the moment that is choosing to take a stand.

1 month ago | radioessex.com | Helen-Ann Smith

Remember, 50% would sit on top of what is already on the table: 34% announced last week, 20% announced at the start of US President Donald Trump's term, and some additional tariffs left over from his first term in office. In total, it means all Chinese goods would face tariffs of over 100%, some as high as 120%. It's a price that makes any trade almost impossible. China is really the only nation in the world at the moment that is choosing to take a stand.