Walmart finds itself in the middle of the escalating trade war between the United States and China. Chinese officials summoned Walmart executives on Tuesday to investigate claims that the US retail giant had pressured its Chinese suppliers for discounts to cope with rising tariffs imposed by the US. According to state media, Trump doubled tariffs on all Chinese imports to 20%, prompting China to retaliate with new tariffs on US agriculture imports. Many businesses are struggling under the weight of these tariffs, which have heightened trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies. Retailers have indicated they may need to raise prices at a time when customers already face financial strain. Walmart reportedly sought significant price cuts of up to 10% from some of its Chinese vendors to offset the impact of US tariffs. Chinese authorities could take further action if Walmart continues to push for discounts, as many suppliers already operate with minimal profit margins. In a statement, Walmart emphasized its mission to help people save money and live better, stating that their discussions with suppliers aim to benefit millions of customers during uncertain times. Walmart not only sources products from China but also maintains a strong presence there since entering the market in 1996. — news from CNN
