China’s economy grew more than expected in the last three months of 2024, official data showed on Friday, as it awaits the likely imposition of fresh tariffs by US President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office next week.

Even before Donald Trump takes office on Monday, trade tensions between the world’s biggest economies are already heating up.

China's economy likely rebounded in the fourth quarter as several rounds of policy stimulus kicked in, enabling the government to largely meet its 2024 growth target, though the risk of new U.S. tariffs could hold back a broader recovery.

China is the US's biggest customer when it comes to agricultural products. President-elect Donald Trump has promised to impose steep tariffs on China in his second term. Many farmers in the American heartland worry China's response could break them.