China summons Walmart executives for talks in wake of Trump tariffs

Officials met representatives of the US retailer to discuss its treatment of Chinese suppliers following the imposition of import duties

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China’s Ministry of Commerce is holding talks with Walmart executives over claims the company is passing off the costs of US tariffs to domestic suppliers and consumers. Photo: Reuters

Carol Yangin Beijing,Ji Siqiin BeijingandFrank Chenin Shanghai

Published: 1:12pm, 12 Mar 2025Updated: 9:53am, 13 Mar 2025

China has summoned executives of Walmart 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 world’s largest retailer 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.”

Walmart said its purpose was to help customers improve their lives and save money.