Xi Slams Protectionism as ‘Dead End’ Amid Global Tariff Tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that protectionism “leads nowhere” on April 11, 2025, addressing the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shanghai, as U.S. tariffs under President Trump escalate trade fears.

Trump’s April 1 imposition of 25% duties on $200 billion in Chinese goods, electronics, EVs, and steel, prompted China’s 125% counter-tariffs on U.S. soybeans and pork, hitting $60 billion in exports. Xi, advocating “open markets,” cited China’s $2 trillion trade surplus and 5% GDP growth, urging dialogue over “selfish barriers.” His remarks targeted the U.S., where 2024’s $400 billion trade deficit fueled Trump’s policies.

The trade war, echoing 2018’s tit-for-tat levies, has spiked global shipping costs 15%, per the IMF, with Nigeria’s $200 million import bill for Chinese machinery at risk. Xi’s push for multilateralism aligns with China’s Belt and Road, funding $1 trillion across 150 nations, including Nigeria’s $5 billion rail. Critics, like India’s S. Jaishankar, argue China’s $3 trillion reserves shield it from pain felt by smaller economies, Africa’s $1.9 trillion debt looms.

The EU, facing 35% Chinese EV tariffs, echoed Xi’s call, but U.S. envoy Larry Kudlow defended “America First.” As markets wobble, the Shanghai Index fell 4%, Xi’s warning frames a 2025 showdown, with $7 trillion in global trade on the line.