Singapore’s primary Chinese language newspaper Lianhe Zaobao recently reported that, according to an annual survey released by the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, the proportion of American companies optimistic about the outlook was lowest in the manufacturing sector (36 percent) and highest in the retail sector (51 percent). The survey, which involved 254 of its members, was conducted shortly after the United States announced the reciprocal tariffs.
The number of American companies optimistic about China’s business prospects in the next five years has hit a new low for four consecutive years, with only 41 percent of respondents expressing optimism, a decrease of six percentage points from last year. Only 45 percent surveyed expect revenue to grow this year, which would be the lowest level ever. Around 12 percent of respondents listed China as their preferred destination for headquarters investment, the lowest level since the chamber began publishing this annual survey in 1999.
“We welcome the 90-day truce, but the problem has not gone away, it still exists,” said Zheng Yi, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao, September 10, 2025
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/finance/china/story20250910-7490805