American companies operating in southern China continue to report strong profitability. They are planning further reinvestment, even though the China-US relationship, especially trade and business cooperation, has been on a roller coaster ride since Donald Trump took office as the 47th American President.
In an exclusive interview with South, Harley Seyedin, Chairman and President of the American Chamber of Commerce in South China, stated that 85% of the chamber's member companies remained profitable in China last year, with many expanding their profit expectations specifically within the southern region.
"Our companies are more profitable here than any other place in China—and, as a matter of fact, any other place in the world,"Seyedin said.
US companies shift to untapped markets as a better understanding
Seyedin revealed that in 2025, member companies had budgeted $13.5 billion in cash reserves for reinvestment in China, with similar or larger amounts expected in 2026. "That simply means American companies are here to stay," Seyedin emphasized. "They're here to be a part of the economy, and they will continue to reinvest to capture new market share and grow together with the Chinese economy."
The positive outlook comes amid a turbulent period in U.S.-China trade relations, which Seyedin acknowledged has been a "roller coaster ride" over the past year. Yet, business confidence appears resilient. Seyedin welcomed President Donald Trump's planned April visit to China, noting that it signals recognition of China's importance.
"We are at a point where our economies are intertwined and inseparable," he said. "As soon as the differences are worked out, the differences between the U.S. and China are minimal."
Seyedin stressed that improved communication between the US and China would foster understanding and, in turn, spur investment. "The more we spread the word, the more we communicate with Americans, the better the understanding between the two countries," he said. "And better understanding leads to additional investment and additional capture of market share."
Beyond major coastal hubs, Seyedin identified significant potential in China's third-tier cities. Within an hour's drive of Shanghai, Fuzhou, or Guangzhou, there are roughly 300 cities with populations exceeding one million, many of which remain underserved by foreign firms.
"We have primarily penetrated the first- and second-tier cities, but we haven't really focused on the third-tier cities," he noted. "That opportunity has been untapped as of yet."
APEC meetings showcase Shenzhen's development to the globe
Seyedin pointed to China's transition from labor-intensive manufacturing toward advanced technology as a key driver of new opportunities. He highlighted electric vehicles as one success story: while China had little global EV market share five years ago, it now accounts for about 60%.
The country's next Five-Year Plan, he said, would funnel substantial resources into R&D, advanced manufacturing, digital industries, and artificial intelligence—reshaping the job market within five years.
Seyedin reserved particular praise for Guangdong province and its tech hub Shenzhen, which he called "the Silicon Valley of China." He predicted the region would drive China's future, especially in AI and high-tech sectors.
With Shenzhen set to host APEC meetings in 2026, Seyedin said the event would help showcase the city's development to a global audience. AmCham South China is working with Guangdong and Shenzhen authorities to involve US members throughout the proceedings.
"APEC is introducing Shenzhen to the international media," he said. "It will let people back home see what China has done, what has been developed, and the quality of life that exists here."
Reporter: Hu Nan, Xie Maishi, Wang Ziyi (Intern)
Video: Liang Zijian
Poster: Lai Meiya
Editor: Ouyang Yan, Ou Xiaoming, James Campion, Shen He
