China Outtrades the U.S. in Asia-Pacific

Key takeaway

• China is the top trading partner for many Asian nations, a sign of its growing influence over the region

Losing trust

According to the Council on Foreign Relations, Trump’s reciprocal tariff push is harming America’s reputation in Asia-Pacific as a reliable trading partner. 

China appears to be taking advantage of this volatility. In April 2025, for example, it restarted talks with South Korea and Japan to introduce a free trade agreement. It is also working to warm ties with Australia, despite recent spats over things like COVID-19 and coal imports.