2020, 24 January Kempen's Commentary
Last week, the US and China signed their ‘phase one’ trade deal. Even though the really difficult subjects will only be discussed in phase 2 (or perhaps even phase 3?), this is still a sign of relaxation between the two super powers. Moreover, the US no longer labels China as a ‘currency manipulator’. China has had that status since August last year. It must be said that the Chinese currency has risen sharply since then. The US deems it manipulation when a country pushes its currency downwards and not when this is done in an upward direction. A cheap currency strengthens the export position of a country, that’s why it’s considered as unfair competition.
