In response to the second round of U.S. tariff hikes on Chinese products, the Ministry of Commerce held a symposium in Shanghai on March 2 during the East China Fair. The meeting, chaired by Li Xingqian, Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade, brought together officials from the commerce departments of Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, Shandong, Jiangxi, Nanjing, Ningbo, Hangzhou, Qingdao, and Xiamen, as well as representatives from six leading enterprises. Our company, representing Anhui's foreign trade sector, attended the symposium, with President Zhu Dongfeng delivering a speech.

During the meeting, officials from provincial and municipal commerce departments reported on the current state of exports to the U.S., analyzed the impact of the tariff hikes, and recommended the swift implementation of supportive policies to enhance government action and provide tangible assistance to export-oriented enterprises. Representatives from various companies also shared their challenges and proposed suggestions. President Zhu Dongfeng outlined our company's response measures, emphasizing the need to maintain exchange rate stability, improve the efficiency of offshore trade settlements, expand credit insurance coverage, and avoid one-size-fits-all policies. His proposals garnered significant attention from both the Department of Foreign Trade and other enterprises.

In his concluding remarks, Director-General Li Xingqian emphasized that the U.S. government's misuse of tariff policies against China and other countries is aimed at achieving its "America First" agenda. He urged attendees to remain clear-headed and avoid illusions, while expressing confidence in the resilience of China's export-oriented enterprises. He stressed the importance of the U.S. market and the need to remain steadfast in our efforts. The Chinese government will take countermeasures and continue to release policy reserves, leveraging strategies such as "cross-border e-commerce + overseas warehouses" and "intermediate goods trade + overseas cooperation zones" to break through trade barriers and ensure a strong start to export performance in the first quarter.

Prior to the symposium, Zhang Hongqiang, Deputy Director-General of the Provincial Department of Commerce, visited ALIC’s booth at the fair. He inquired in detail about the exhibition and business operations, encouraging our sales team to actively expand market reach and optimize marketing strategies to contribute to the sustainable and healthy development of the apparel industry.

This symposium underscores the government's commitment to supporting foreign trade enterprises and highlights our company's proactive role in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in the global market.