Gala 2024
USCBC Releases Annual Member Survey
Slowing Growth, Policy Uncertainty Softening Business Confidence, But China Remains an Important Market
Washington, D.C.– Today, the US-China Business Council (USCBC) released its annual Member Survey report, which captures how American companies view the changing business environment in China, including the country’s economic slowdown, operational challenges, and questions about policy direction.
“China’s growth slowdown is impacting American company financials and market sentiment. The report show that nearly 20 percent of respondents expect revenue to decline this year, though two-thirds anticipate continued growth,” said USCBC president John Frisbie.
Despite slowing revenue growth, 90 percent of companies surveyed remain profitable, but at reduced rates that reflect increasing competition, rising costs, and regulatory impediments. The report also finds that uncertainty about China’s economic reform policies is undermining business confidence. Even so, China remains a priority market for American companies.
“Ninety percent of companies say China growth prospects are the same or better than other emerging markets,” said Frisbie. “To the American business community, there’s no ignoring the second largest economy in the world.”
Of the Top 10 challenges, six would be improved by a high-standard US-China Bilateral Investment Treaty. “I anticipate that the ongoing negotiations on the bilateral investment treaty will be high on the agenda for President Obama’s meeting with President Xi Jinping in early September in China,” said Frisbie.
“China’s growth slowdown is impacting American company financials and market sentiment. The report show that nearly 20 percent of respondents expect revenue to decline this year, though two-thirds anticipate continued growth,” said USCBC president John Frisbie.
Despite slowing revenue growth, 90 percent of companies surveyed remain profitable, but at reduced rates that reflect increasing competition, rising costs, and regulatory impediments. The report also finds that uncertainty about China’s economic reform policies is undermining business confidence. Even so, China remains a priority market for American companies.
“Ninety percent of companies say China growth prospects are the same or better than other emerging markets,” said Frisbie. “To the American business community, there’s no ignoring the second largest economy in the world.”
Of the Top 10 challenges, six would be improved by a high-standard US-China Bilateral Investment Treaty. “I anticipate that the ongoing negotiations on the bilateral investment treaty will be high on the agenda for President Obama’s meeting with President Xi Jinping in early September in China,” said Frisbie.
The US-China Business Council (USCBC) is a private, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization of roughly 220 American companies that do business with China. For over four decades, USCBC has provided unmatched information, advisory, advocacy, and program services to its membership. Through its offices in Washington, DC; Beijing; and Shanghai, USCBC is uniquely positioned to serve its members’ interests in the United States and China.
