HONG KONG: From furniture makers to Apple Inc. suppliers, the intensifying trade conflict is leaving some Chinese companies particularly vulnerable. Washington has followed up with a threat to apply 25% tariffs to another $300 billion worth of Chinese goods, covering virtually all imports from the country. The weaker yuan caused by trade tension is also hurting companies with piles of dollar-denominated debt, including airlines and real-estate firms. Global brands may also speed up relocating supply chains away from China, which is negative to companies with mostly domestic production facilities. Handsets and laptops are the two biggest categories on the Chinese goods yet to be levied, which means Apple’s finished products aren’t facing additional tariffs this round.

Source: The Star May 16, 2019 11:11 UTC