The United States warns of Peru about China: why do Donald Trump consider them “a threat”? | ECONOMY

Rafael Zacnich, Manager of economic Studies of Comexperúargues that China has gained great relevance in a context where the United States finances deteriorated. It puts an example: the fiscal deficit reached 7% of GDP, a “more raw reality if compared to advanced economies such as the United Kingdom, Canada or Japan.”

“In addition, the public debt of USA exceeded 120% of GDP. If that remains over time, it could harm its economy for the high tax burden. That’s why, Donald Trump It seeks to raise more with its commercial policy to impose more tariffs despite the consensus on the effects of protectionism: it ends up harming global economies ”, referred to Management.

Zacnich considers Trump “seeks allies” in his struggle to recover “world hegemony”regardless of the results of its aggressive policy: complications in the reduction of the interest rate and more inflation.

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Édgar Vásquez, Director of the Cien -Adex Economics and Business Research Centerstressed that there is no advantage or different treatment of the investments of a certain country, whether China or the United States, so it asks to “cautiously” the statements of Donald Trump’s herald. He insisted that Peru must maintain a neutral posture since the real background between Washington and Beijing is purely political.

On more than one occasion the United States has alarmed about the presence of Chinese investments in South America because it would feed its commercial and political influence, especially with the recent inauguration of the Chancay Megaport. Laura Richardson, head of the US Southern Command. during the administration of Joe Biden, he assured Financial Times that Chinese ships could be housed in the port hub.

In this regard, Zacnich remembers that Peru is not in a position to choose what type of investment requires, so he must protect his sovereignty and enforce his rule of law.

“The investment of whoever was, provided that it complies with the legislative, environmental, labor and benefit for workers, regardless of the activity in which it develops” is welcome, ”he pointed to this newspaper.

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That is, if Xiaomi wants to open a plant in Chancay, can the United States intervene? They do not have to – according to Comexperú spokesman – since “with the special economic zones there will be a pole to attract companies interested in opening to regional and Asian markets. “The only thing that cannot be done is ‘to enroll’ products from China to the United States. There would be incurred in a foul because we do not respect the rules of origin,” He passed away.

César Tello, president of ADEX, estimated that 78% of Peruvian exports to the United States are at risk due to the increase in tariffs announced by Donald Trump.

The most risky items from the tariff rise would be agribusiness, mining, textile-confection, fishing and jewelry. And, by company size, the Mypes would be the most beaten.

In that line, Vásquez stressed that China and the United States cover, together, about 40% of our exports and imports, respectively; And in this scenario of tariff war – where we are already applied a 10%rate – only with the figures of April and May we can know firsthand what items are the most affected because “just one month of the announcement of these measures (of Donald Trump)”.

“The same will depend on each sector. Some are more productive and competitive and even with this tariff they will continue to improve their efficiency levels to continue exporting to the United States. Among the most affected will be export units such as micro and small businesses, since 10% will mean a substantial difference between continuing to export or withdraw from the markets,” He pointed out.

Vásquez said that some American buyers are asking exporters to assume 100% of costs; while some share the cost and others, transfer the additional cost to the consumer.

For its part, Zacnich synthesizes that the Free trade Agreement – TLC between Peru and the United States “does not protect” our country from tariff policies such as Trump since this applies them “to ensure their national security for the fiscal deficit that drags.”

In data from the Exporters Association – ADEX, during the first two -month period of 2025 Peruvian offices to China totaled US $ 4,727.5 million. The main product sent were gold and concentrated minerals (+500%).

Meanwhile, Shipments to the United States amounted to US $ 1,726.0 million mainly pushed by carburorreactors intended for aviation companies (+112.2).

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And, in importance, from China trade implied US $ 2,920.8 million between January and February headed by wireless devices for telecommunications or data transfers (+119.6%); While from the United States, US $ 1,845.3 million were imported, highlighting diesel income 2 (+112.7%).

Finally, Édgar Vásquez explains that About 96% of Peruvian shipments to China are minerals and fish oil and there would be no changes in this flow despite the tariff increase in the United States.

“Each of the markets already has its peculiarities. It does not mean that the tariff will bring more mining exports to China because the bulk of our offices are already there. The effect will be felt in the products of more added value, and these non -traditional sectors are agribusiness, clothing, non -traditional fishing, metalworking, chemicals, etc.” held.

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