The growing insecurity over US trade policy pushes the European Union and trading partners to speed up the completion of free trade agreement negotiations
By raising tariffs on steel and aluminium the US president has proudly delivered on a campaign promise. US steel and aluminium producers gain, but it comes at the expense of US metal consuming firms.
Business insolvencies in China are expected to increase further this year in 2018, as companies face tighter credit conditions and the economic rebalancing process is on-going.
The economic outlook remains positive with expected GDP growth rates of more than 5% in 2017 and 2018, and vulnerability to external shocks has declined.
In 2018 the economic performance will be impacted by weaker demand from China and lower domestic demand due to weaker residential construction activity.