Hangzhou Tianyuan Pet Products Co swiftly shifts strategies. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

Amid escalating tariff tensions stoked by the United States, Zhejiang — China's economic powerhouse — is working to defend its cross-border trade, with Hangzhou's businesses standing at the forefront.

In 2024, Zhejiang's cross-border e-commerce exports reached 214.13 billion yuan ($29.43 billion), up 19.1 percent year-on-year, with Hangzhou contributing over 58 billion yuan and hosting more than 60,000 firms. However, the recent US move to scrap the $800 duty-free threshold for Chinese goods starting May 2 has posed major disruptions.

Facing rising tariffs — up to 245 percent — companies like Hangzhou Tianyuan Pet Products Co and Yicang Furniture Co swiftly shifted their strategies from raising export prices to accelerating shipments and shifting focus to emerging markets. Platforms like Haizol reported a 65-percent drop in North American orders but saw strong growth in market transactions with counties involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Hangzhou enterprises are now expanding into Europe, Australia, and South America, while platforms help small and medium-sized enterprises adapt by offering new services like carbon footprint reporting to meet international standards.

Despite the uncertainty, Zhejiang businesses are showcasing resilience and innovation, aiming to secure new opportunities and turn external pressures into catalysts for transformation.

The director of Haizol briefs an injection molding factory in Ningbo on the details of customers. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]