The world is entering an era of protectionism” as the U.S. turns to aggressive tariffs, warns one China expert. How nasty will it get?

Chinese leader Xi has responded by hitting the gas on manufacturing, pushing Chinese companies to pump out a surfeit of goods that are pouring into foreign markets and propping up the economy at home.

If President-elect Donald Trump is serious about hitting all Chinese goods with tariffs of 60 percent or higher, experts warn it could lead to all-out economic warfare that would be particularly damaging to two key swing states that Trump flipped in 2024.

If Trump's proposed 60% tariff against China is enacted and the country responds aggressively, it could pressure some of America's largest companies.