American business improved its assessment of prospects for work in China to a maximum since 2021

American companies operating in China have become significantly more optimistic in assessing their long-term prospects. The share of businesses with positive expectations rose to the highest level since 2021, while the profitability of their operations in the Chinese market also increased.

This is evidenced by the annual China Business Report of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai (AmCham Shanghai).

According to the survey results, 58% of American companies positively assess their business prospects in China for the next five years. Over the year, this indicator increased by 17 percentage points and broke a four-year period during which the level of optimism consistently fell to historical lows.

The share of pessimistically minded companies, on the contrary, decreased to 16% - the lowest indicator since 2021.

The financial results of American business in China also improved. 78% of surveyed companies reported that their operations in the country were profitable in 2025. This is the highest indicator since 2019.

262 companies - members of AmCham Shanghai - took part in the survey.

The Chamber of Commerce attributes the change in sentiment to both the improvement in companies' financial results and the stabilization of relations between Washington and Beijing after the escalation of the trade confrontation.

"Participants clearly noticed the government's efforts to improve the regulatory environment, and this year these positive changes are reinforced by more stable US-China relations", - said AmCham Shanghai Chairman Jeffrey Lehman.

At the same time, problems for foreign business have not disappeared. Among the main risks, companies continue to name tough competition with Chinese manufacturers, a slowdown in economic growth, and trade and technological contradictions between the two countries.

The improvement in sentiment occurs against the backdrop of intensified contacts between Washington and Beijing. US President Donald Trump visited China in May, and Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit the United States later in September.

Based on materials from: South China Morning Post, Bloomberg