With the threat of a trade war between China and the United States looming, business relations between Asia and the West have not been this hot a topic since the Japanese Economic Miracle that was birthed shortly after WW II. Today, it is China’s turn on center stage as its soaring economic growth and aggressive trade restructuring has set off alarms around the world, particularly in the United States. But how does the media furor compare to the perception of rank-and-file American manufacturing business owners?

There is much debate whether the current trade climate is advantageous to U.S. business interests. The debate has been sorely agitated by President Trump’s executive order raising tariffs on imported steel and aluminum as well as an order to scrutinize approximately 1,300 products for further duty increases. Although the administration has currently put that plan on hold, the message delivered still comes across loud and clear.

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