American consumers victims of unfair price-reduction tactics

The Ministry of Commerce and other relevant departments summoned Walmart on Tuesday, following reports that the retail giant had asked some of its Chinese suppliers to significantly reduce prices. Walmart's move is seen as an attempt to help US consumers offset the otherwise unavoidable price hikes due to the United States imposing tariffs on Chinese goods. Walmart's approach raises important questions about fairness.

It has been the company's longstanding strategy to leverage its vast purchasing power to pressure suppliers into reducing costs. Walmart reportedly requested its Chinese suppliers to lower prices by up to 10 percent for each round of tariff. Reports show only a small number of suppliers agreed; the majority of Chinese suppliers, already operating on extremely tight profit margins, found it impossible to comply.

While Walmart's actions may be driven by the need to protect its business interests, they risk undermining the principles of fair trade and mutual respect that are essential for healthy economic relationships.