A recent survey disclosed that U.S. companies again express optimism about business opportunities in China despite the ongoing trade war and other tensions between the two nations. On Sept. 23, the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai released its survey, hinting at improved signs that business may regain some balance between the two economic powers.
The chamber of commerce surveyed 338 U.S. companies with operations in China. While the companies remain patient, they also expressed an overall attitude of hope and confidence that the two countries shall return a business climate prior to the trade war.
Most expect full-year revenue growth
The survey results seem to counter the current tense relationship and political environment between the U.S. and China as the two countries continue to quarrel over trade, human rights, cybersecurity and technology.
Among the survey highlights include:
- Nearly 60% of the respondents boosted investments in China during the past year.
- More than 80% of the U.S. companies expected to see full-year growth in revenue in 2021. The last time companies met that number was in 2018 before the U.S.-China trade war.
- Of the 125 surveyed U.S. companies that manufacture in China, 72% declared that they had no plans to move production out of the country in the next three years. Such a finding appears to counter predictions that some companies would relocate after COVID-19.
Challenges, though, remain for U.S. companies in China, and business leaders know it. Among the main struggles include bringing aboard new employees and their families to work and live in China. Why? China adheres to its strict border closures in its attempt to control the COVID-19 pandemic.