Exclusive | Trump factor only part of the equation for Chinese manufacturers, TCL chairman says


Despite US President Donald Trumpโ€™s unpredictable tariff plans and his desire to revive American manufacturing, overseas expansion by Chinese enterprises will hinge on long-term economic benefits rather than short-term policy swings, according to a Chinese electronics giant.

Building factories in the United States is not yet a viable option for TCL, its founder and chairman Li Dongsheng said, even though the US is the biggest overseas market for TCLโ€™s products, which include televisions, washing machines and solar panels.

โ€œThe decision on where to establish a factory, in the United States or other countries, ultimately hinges on the economic benefits and competitiveness of local production,โ€ Li said in an exclusive interview with the Post on the sidelines of the China Development Forum in Beijing on Sunday.

โ€œCurrently, for our industry, setting up a factory in the US does not present a competitive advantage.โ€

If the US were to have stable tax policies and implement relatively competitive industrial policies, the financial considerations might just add up, he said.

โ€œBut it is still premature to discuss this matter,โ€ Li added. โ€œThe ever-changing policies of the US government themselves constitute a significant risk factor.โ€

TCL founder and chairman Li Dongsheng. Photo: Handout
TCL founder and chairman Li Dongsheng. Photo: Handout

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