The ongoing trade war results in China’s factories experiencing severe downturns.

China’s manufacturing heartland is reeling. Production lines across Dongguan, previously known as the “factory of the world,” have come to a standstill. The *Financial Times* (Feb 2025) reports that more than 60% of Chinese companies that rely on exports have seen their order volumes shrink because of US tariffs. Factories that manufacture electronics, apparel, and toys—which industries previously outcompeted American businesses—are now cutting jobs or shutting down completely. X platform posts from accounts like @Osint613 highlight widespread job cuts and premature furloughs and capture protests from workers who face disappearing incomes.

For Chinese workers, the pain is real. Households previously sustained by factory wages face difficulties paying for essential needs such as food and housing. Export hubs are facing rising unemployment rates as local economies collapse from decreased consumer spending. China’s decades of unfair trade practices including cheap goods dumping and intellectual property theft have caused this economic disruption despite our sympathy for those affected. The America First agenda says: no more.

### Why Tariffs Are Working for America

President Trump made a strategic economic move by reinstating tariffs with a bold 145% rate on Chinese imports. The tariffs strike directly at China’s export industry in order to accomplish three essential objectives.

1. **Protecting American Jobs**: Tariffs create equal competition conditions for domestic manufacturers in the United States. Production facilities in Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania experience renewed activity as firms transfer their manufacturing operations from China to the United States. Wall/import restrictions led to a 20% drop in Chinese exports which has provided new opportunities for American workers (Bloomberg, Jan 2025).
2. **Weakening China’s Economy**: The closure of manufacturing sites demonstrates how vulnerable China’s economy is due to its reliance on exports. The economic slowdown of China with 60% of its GDP dependent on trade shows deflation and a 2024 growth rate of only 4.5% (*Reuters*) demonstrates America’s unmatched economic power.
3. **Restoring US Sovereignty**: The United States regains authority over its supply chains by decreasing dependency on Chinese products. Tariffs stimulate domestic production of semiconductors and medical supplies which secures national security and economic independence.

Beijing’s dishonest actions create tragic human costs in China. Chinese economic strategies over many years created prosperity for their ruling class while American workers faced job losses due to outsourcing practices. Now, the tables have turned.

The suffering of Chinese workers during supply chain disruptions raises questions about its necessity.

Make no mistake: Chinese workers’ suffering represents a tragedy rather than a cause for celebration. Workers in Guangdong such as Li Wei (who appears in *South China Morning Post* articles under a pseudonym) face sleepless nights because factory closures prevent them from supporting their families. Chinese workers have expressed their despair through Weibo posts saying “no jobs, no future”, yet after taking to the streets some workers faced government censorship which halted their protests according to X posts about the suppressed demonstrations.

From the America First viewpoint the suffering stems from an essential correction that has been delayed for too long. Decades ago China had the opportunity to negotiate equitable trade deals and expand its economic sectors. China intensified its harmful economic tactics which compelled America to respond. Nationalist slogans distributed by Communist Party propaganda cannot conceal the reality of empty consumer wallets and closed factories. Xi Jinping’s self-sufficiency push results in ordinary Chinese people suffering from his blunders.

## America’s Path Forward: Double Down on Tariffs

The crippling effect of tariffs on China’s factories marks just the start. To cement America’s economic dominance, we must:

– Implement additional tariffs on Chinese technological products and rare-earth minerals to motivate domestic US production.
– Use tariff-generated funds to establish worker retraining programs alongside infrastructure development for industrial centers such as the Rust Belt.
– Form strategic partnerships with nations such as India and Vietnam to move supply chains away from China and make global trade patterns supportive of American interests.

The trade conflict represents an effort to restore America’s greatness beyond mere economic considerations. As Chinese factories shut down one by one it brings us closer to reopening American manufacturing plants. Each job vacancy created in Shenzhen directly translates into employment development in Pittsburgh.

## Join the America First Movement

Our nation’s history will be marked by the US-China trade war. President Trump’s tariffs demonstrate successful execution of America First through their focus on American workers and businesses while upholding national sovereignty. American determination stands strong as Chinese workers endure their hardships. We must maintain constant pressure on China and work towards rebuilding our economy to establish America as the world’s leading free nation.

What do you think? Do tariffs provide the solution for America’s economic resurgence or do they pose a threat to worldwide stability? Post your comments below and connect with others on X through #AmericaFirstTrade to participate in the discussion. With unified efforts we can protect America’s prosperity for future generations.