Disillusioned by US president’s shifting policy positions, many manufacturers want to see clearer signals before they make major moves
As two of the world’s most powerful leaders – President Xi Jinping and US counterpart Donald Trump – exchanged rare conciliatory words in a phone call that signalled a potential thaw in China-US tensions, the mood on factory floors in China remained far more restrained.
Exhausted by continual policy shifts and disillusioned by Trump’s volatility, many manufacturers are delaying major moves until clearer signals emerge.
“No one jumps on Trump’s word any more,” said Winnie Lam, general secretary to the board of the Hong Kong Business Association Vietnam.
“Especially, no one will make any long-term decision when it is not a signed agreement, Vietnam-US or China-US.
