China Summons Walmart Executives For Talks In Wake Of Trump Tariffs

China has summoned executives of Walmart – the world’s largest retailer – for regulatory talks, bringing the business practices of one of the United States’ most prominent companies under scrutiny and, in the wake of tariff increases from US President Donald Trump, suggesting more punitive action could come in advance of bilateral trade negotiations.

Officials from the Ministry of Commerce and other authorities in Beijing held discussions with representatives of the company on Tuesday to address rumours the big box giant is demanding some of its Chinese suppliers significantly lower their prices.

This, according to Yuyuantantian – the social media account of state broadcaster CCTV – would shift the cost of new US tariffs imposed on Chinese goods to domestic suppliers and consumers.

“Walmart’s unilateral demand on Chinese firms to cut prices could lead to disruptions of supply chains and hurt the interests of firms and consumers from both countries,” the account said.

“If Walmart insists on doing so, then what would happen next would be beyond talks.”

Last week, China revealed its response to new tariffs levied by the United States on its exports. It sanctioned a number of US firms, applied additional tariffs of 10-15 per cent on select American goods and announced plans to bring a case to the World Trade Organization over the matter.

A 15 per cent duty was applied to imports of US poultry and agricultural products including wheat, corn and cotton, and a rate of 10 per cent for imports of soybeans, pork, beef, fruit, vegetables and dairy.

The US has escalated its universal tariffs on Chinese goods in stages since Trump took office in January, for a total of 20 per cent in additional duties so far.

Despite the heightened tensions, anonymous sources said both countries have been discussing a summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. At present, the talks are expected to be held in April, though specific dates have yet to be finalised.

The China Chamber of Commerce for the Import and Export of Textiles, a semi-official trade organisation, said in a statement on Wednesday it has received reports from some of its members that large US retailers have asked Chinese suppliers to reduce their prices, and is verifying the claims.

“If the situation is true, we’ll take active measures to safeguard the legitimate interests of member companies,” the chamber said.

Issues currently affecting international trade stem largely from the US government’s unilateral imposition of tariffs, the chamber said, adding this has adversely impacted businesses in both countries.

“Companies in China and the US are both victims,” the chamber stated, expressing expectations firms from both nations will address shared challenges through negotiations and cooperation.

The chamber also urged these companies to prevent any single party from disrupting the stability of supply chains by exploiting its market position.

Walmart has 283 outlets and 53 Sam’s Club wholesale stores in China. Its China sales revenue totalled 147.3 billion yuan (US$20.32 billion) in the 2024 financial year, according to company disclosures.