Hong Kong media quoted Chinese exporters at the Canton Fair stating that after Walmart and other major U.S. retail giants met with U.S. President Trump to discuss tariff issues, they have notified Chinese suppliers to resume shipments that were temporarily suspended due to the tariff war earlier this month, with tariffs to be borne by U.S. buyers.
The U.S. imposed tariffs of up to 145%, and for some products, as high as 245%, on Chinese goods, causing most Chinese exports to the U.S. to come to a halt.
According to a report from a Hong Kong media outlet on the 26th, multiple exporters at the ongoing 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) mentioned that after Walmart, Home Depot, Target, and other retail giants met with Trump on the 21st, they were notified to ship goods to Chinese suppliers.
The report quoted Lin Rui, chairman of Hunan Xianfeng Ceramics Co., Ltd., who said that their shipping schedule is back on, and that shipments are made using the FOB (Free on Board) method, with all tariffs paid by the buyer.
Weng Yinyin, a manager from Guangdong Chaozhou Dongbao Group involved in exporting stone and ceramics, also received similar notifications, but shipments resumed only for holiday-themed products, while some everyday product orders were even canceled. She recalled that in the last trade war with a 10% tariff increase, she and her customers each shared part of the cost; however, with the tariffs now so high, customers don't dare to ask to share the cost, and the full amount is borne by them. She is concerned about the future of U.S. orders and will consider expanding into the South American and Middle Eastern markets.
On the 21st, U.S. President Trump met with major retailers, including Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe's, and Target, to discuss the potential impact of comprehensive tariffs on these companies, which would increase the cost of importing everyday goods. According to company data, more than half of Walmart and Target's imported goods come from China.
A Walmart spokesperson stated, "We had a productive meeting with President Trump and his team and appreciate the opportunity to express our views." The statement did not elaborate on the details. A Home Depot spokesperson described the meeting as "informative and constructive."