Apple • Tesla • Nvidia • Amazon (2025 Edition) 

The US–China Trade War continues to shape global economic dynamics in 2025. What began as a dispute over trade imbalances and intellectual property rights has evolved into a complex and ongoing conflict, affecting industries and major corporations around the world. 

How the Trade War Started 

The trade war officially began in 2018 under President Donald Trump, when the U.S. imposed tariffs on Chinese imports, citing unfair trade practices and intellectual property theft. China swiftly retaliated with its own tariffs, leading to a cycle of escalating economic measures that continues to impact global markets today. 

Timeline of Key Events (2018–2025) 

• 2018: The U.S. imposes initial tariffs on Chinese goods; China responds in kind. 

• 2019–2020: Negotiations take place, with intermittent agreements and additional tariff implementations. 

• 2021–2022: Under President Biden, several tariffs remain, with added export controls introduced. 

• 2023–2025: Tensions escalate again, especially targeting technology sectors with new tariffs and restrictions. 

Impact on Global Trade 

Tariff Pressures 

Tariffs have significantly raised the cost of importing and exporting goods. This has disrupted global supply chains, forced pricing adjustments, and affected profitability for multinational companies. 

Supply Chain Disruption 

Corporations are actively rethinking and diversifying their manufacturing bases to reduce dependency on Chinese production and manage the risk of future geopolitical instability. 

Big Brands Hit the Hardest 

Apple (AAPL) 

• Strong dependence on Chinese manufacturing for product assembly. 
• Experienced stock volatility due to supply chain risks and tariff costs. 

Tesla (TSLA) 

• China operations are vital for both production and sales. 

• Subject to market swings driven by trade policy uncertainty. 

Nvidia (NVDA) 

• Relies heavily on Asian manufacturing for semiconductor production. 

• Faced valuation challenges amid chip export restrictions and tariffs. 

Amazon (AMZN) 

• Affected by increased tariffs on goods sold by third-party vendors. 

• Faces higher operating costs and reduced margins in key markets. 

Sony (SONY) 

• Impacted by supply chain disruptions and shifting tariffs affecting electronics.

Nike (NKE) 

• Major manufacturing presence in China and Vietnam. 

• Dealt with rising production costs and reduced investor confidence. 

Stock Market Reactions 

Markets have responded with heightened volatility. Major indices have fluctuated in tandem with policy updates, tariff announcements, and diplomatic negotiations. Companies with complex international supply chains have borne the brunt of investor uncertainty. 

Opportunities for Traders 

Ongoing trade tensions offer opportunities for active traders. 

• Short-term strategies can benefit from price swings in affected sectors. 

• Long-term investors may find value in companies diversifying away from China and investing in more resilient global operations. 

What’s Next? 

The outlook remains uncertain. While both nations continue to engage in negotiations, the underlying geopolitical rivalry and technological competition suggest that tensions may persist — if not intensify — in the years ahead. 

Notable Perspectives 

“We’re rethinking our supply chains entirely.” 

– Tim Cook, Apple

 

“Short-term pain, long-term gain.” 

– Elon Musk, Tesla

 

“Trade wars are good, and easy to win.” 

– Donald Trump, 2018 

Sources 

• Wikipedia – China–United States Trade War 

• The Guardian – Impact on Apple, Nike, and other brands 

• Barron’s – Market movers amid trade war escalation 

• The Guardian – US drops tariffs on some mobile electronics 

Kanak Capital Market Reviews on the US-China Trade War 

At Kanak Capital Markets, we view the ongoing US–China trade tensions as a long-term structural shift rather than a temporary disruption. While tariffs and restrictions continue to impact global brands and supply chains, they also open new avenues for diversification, regional investments, and tech independence. For investors and traders, this evolving scenario presents both risk and opportunity. Increased market volatility can benefit short-term strategies, while long-term investors may look toward resilient, adaptable companies and emerging markets outside the traditional U.S.–China corridors. As always, we recommend a balanced approach — stay informed, diversify your portfolio, and align your strategy with both global trends and your individual risk profile.  

Contact us to convert volatility into opportunity.