Unusual events are unfolding on the global trade stage. According to analysts at The Wall Street Journal, China is emerging as the winner of the trade war initiated by US President Donald Trump.

According to experts, China's economic growth in the first half of 2025 is an indication of America's defeat. During this time, the Chinese economy grew by an average of 5.3%, while the US economy expanded by only 1.25%. Another key factor is Trump’s inability to secure meaningful concessions from Beijing. Unlike other nations, China did not yield to Washington’s pressure. Instead, it responded by imposing 125% tariffs on US goods in retaliation for America’s 145% duties on Chinese imports. In addition, China's leadership imposed export restrictions on rare earth metals bound for the United States, threatening to halt entire industries, from car manufacturing to fighter jet production.

Eventually, the White House was forced to back down. President Trump reduced tariffs on Chinese goods to 30%. In turn, Beijing reduced its duties to 10%. Although the US administration tried to portray this as a victory, it was merely a ceasefire. The US remains unable to rein in China's dumping practices and intellectual property theft. In the meantime, the White House has suspended export controls on selling advanced technology to China and even approved the sale of Nvidia's high-end chips to the country.

Recently, the media outlet noted that China has sharply curtailed shipments of critical minerals to European countries. Analysts warn that this has dealt a serious blow to Western defense firms.