China’s media are warning that U.S. families may soon be calling President Trump the Grinch who made Christmas more expensive — and far less festive.
The ongoing U.S.-China trade war could lead to higher prices on Chinese-made imports such as artificial Christmas trees, decorative tree lights and wrapping paper, according to a report Monday in the Chinese state-owned Global Times newspaper.
The outlet reported Monday that heads of Chinese companies say Mr. Trump’s tariffs will be effectively taxing American voters’ Christmas celebrations, with China currently enjoying an overwhelming edge in the market. Chinese manufacturers have long-standing deals with importers that require U.S. companies to cover tariff costs, which can then be passed along to U.S. consumers.
“Currently, ’Made in China’ Christmas decorations have dominated the U.S. market, with virtually no competitive rivals,” Ying Junfeng, manager of ShifengDecorative Lighting Co., told the Global Times.
The irony is that Mr. Trump — in another context — has pledged to end the “war on Christmas” and vowed to make it acceptable in America to “say ’Merry Christmas’ again.”
The Trump administration announced its latest $200 billion tariff on select Chinese imports on July 10.
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