Beijing has enacted sweeping laws since US president-elect’s first term that would allow it to retaliate if threatened

The Chinese economy is more dependent on exports, making tariffs more potent, yet it’s less reliant on American markets and increasingly bent on self-sufficiency.

Since the U.S. and China imposed tit-for-tat tariffs in their trade war during Donald Trump's first presidential term, Beijing has taken steps to reduce its reliance on American farm goods in a wider effort to bolster its food security.

With Donald Trump’s election victory sparking expectations of steep tariffs, US importers are expected to rush to front-load goods from China even before January’s inauguration to sidestep potential cost increases and deliver a surprising boost to Chinese exports.

If Trump's proposed 60% tariff against China is enacted and the country responds aggressively, it could pressure some of America's largest companies.