Businesses need greater policy stability and predictability for long-term investment and supply chain planning, but continued shifts in US trade policy are fueling uncertainty, said Douglas Irwin, a professor of economics at Dartmouth College.
Irwin made the comments during a media briefing with Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka on Wednesday, discussing tariffs, global commerce and the changing trade landscape.
Responding to a question from China Daily about continuing US-China dialogue and tariff adjustments, Irwin said policy predictability is essential for businesses considering long-term investments.
"Businesses absolutely need that predictability of the business environment to make medium-term and long-term investments," he said.
Trade tensions between China and the United States intensified after the Trump administration imposed sweeping tariffs in 2025. Although both sides have since taken steps to ease tensions and continue dialogue, uncertainty over future trade policy remains.
