The Chinese economy is more dependent on exports, making tariffs more potent, yet it’s less reliant on American markets and increasingly bent on self-sufficiency.

Since the U.S. and China imposed tit-for-tat tariffs in their trade war during Donald Trump's first presidential term, Beijing has taken steps to reduce its reliance on American farm goods in a wider effort to bolster its food security.

With Donald Trump’s election victory sparking expectations of steep tariffs, US importers are expected to rush to front-load goods from China even before January’s inauguration to sidestep potential cost increases and deliver a surprising boost to Chinese exports.