Chinese Envoy Warns: Trump-Era US Tariffs Could Spark Global Economic Recession

Abuja, Nigeria – In a strong statement during a press briefing in Abuja, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, voiced concerns over the escalating trade policies under the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump. According to him, these aggressive tariffs could lead to a serious global economic recession—potentially damaging the very economies the U.S. intends to strengthen.

“The United States is pushing the limits of trade diplomacy,” Ambassador Dunhai emphasized.
“By imposing pressure on trade partners and disrupting international collaboration, the U.S. may worsen inflation and destabilize global markets.”

He warned that these tactics could undermine U.S. industries, cause inflationary shocks, and stir global financial instability, leading to a full-blown economic downturn. This aligns with broader concerns among economists who believe that tariff wars often backfire by increasing production costs and shrinking market access.

The Trade Standoff Between US and China

During his administration, President Donald Trump imposed a series of escalating tariffs—initially set at 10% on Chinese imports, later increasing to a staggering 145%—to force a more favorable trade balance. In response, China retaliated with counter-tariffs of its own, leading to a prolonged trade war.

While Trump expressed optimism about reaching a deal with China, details remained vague, with no concrete timeline for negotiations. As two of the world’s largest economies remained at odds, global market confidence waned, further validating Ambassador Dunhai’s concerns.

Economic Fallout and Inflation Risks

The Chinese diplomat warned that disregarding global cooperation in favor of unilateral trade actions can backfire dramatically.

“This path not only increases global inflation, but may also harm the US economy itself by destabilizing supply chains and weakening the industrial base,” Dunhai explained.

This viewpoint aligns with insights from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which has repeatedly cautioned that escalating trade tensions could shave off up to 0.5% of global GDP (Source: IMF Report).

Why It Matters for Nigeria and Emerging Economies

The potential ripple effects of a global recession would also impact emerging economies like Nigeria, which rely heavily on international trade and stable foreign exchange markets. Inflationary trends and weakened global demand can affect everything from oil exports to currency strength—adding more strain to already fragile economies.

For more insights on Nigeria’s economic policies and international trade relations, check out our article on How Nigeria Navigates Global Economic Shocks

Key Takeaways

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria warns that Trump-era tariffs could harm global economic stability.
U.S. trade policies risk inflation and industrial disruptions at home.
A prolonged trade war could trigger a recession affecting all major economies, including developing nations like Nigeria.
Calls for global cooperation and diplomacy are more urgent than ever.

As trade tensions between the U.S. and China continue to shape global headlines, experts and diplomats alike are urging for more collaboration and less confrontation. The warning from Ambassador Yu Dunhai serves as a reminder that in a globalized economy, no country stands alone. Policies that ignore this reality risk igniting economic consequences far beyond their borders.