China Confronts Walmart Over Supplier Price Cuts Linked to U.S. Tariffs

Chinese officials met with Walmart executives to address reports of the retailer demanding price reductions from suppliers to offset tariff costs.

China's Ministry of Commerce held a meeting with Walmart representatives on March 11, 2025, to discuss concerns over the retailer's reported pricing demands on Chinese suppliers.
Reports suggest Walmart asked suppliers to cut prices by up to 10% per round of U.S. tariffs to absorb the costs of recent tariff increases imposed by President Donald Trump.
Chinese state media criticized Walmart's alleged actions, warning that such demands could harm supply chain stability and the interests of businesses and consumers in both countries.
The U.S. recently implemented additional tariffs on Chinese goods, with a 10% increase on February 4 and another 10% on March 4, leading to heightened trade tensions.
China has responded to U.S. tariffs with countermeasures, including sanctions on U.S. firms, increased tariffs on American agricultural products, and plans to escalate the issue to the World Trade Organization.