Chinese investors are showing sustained interest in treasury bonds for their stable return, with residents queuing up outside banks to buy the newly issued saving bonds.
The Ministry of Finance on Friday started to issue two more batches of certificate saving bonds totaling 30 billion yuan (more than 4.15 billion U.S. dollars).
One batch of bonds worth up to 15 billion yuan (more than 2.07 billion U.S. dollars) have a maturity of three years and a fixed coupon rate of 2.38 percent, while the other batch of five-year bonds will come with a fixed coupon rate of 2.5 percent and issuance volume up to 15 billion yuan.
In Beijing, Tianjin and Zhejiang Province, many residents were seen waiting in lines in front of banks very early in the morning to secure the bonds.
"I came here late. Look at the long lines here, there's a fat chance that I can buy bonds today," said a local resident.
"I arrived at around 7:00. I didn't make it during the first two issuances, so I thought I'd come earlier this time. I plan to buy 200,000-300,000 yuan (about 27,670-41,500 U.S. dollars) [worth of bonds]," said another resident in Tianjin.
Some even started waiting on streets the night before the issuance.
Government bonds are regarded as comparatively low-risk investments with slightly higher yields than fixed deposits, making them sought-after products among investors who seek stable returns.
During the issuance in March, 14 of the 466 outlets of a large commercial bank in Beijing had seen their certificated savings bonds being sold out within half an hour. In April, 99.7 percent of the electronic savings bonds were sold on the first day of issuance.
"Our five-year [deposit interest rate] has been raised to 2.4 percent, and the rate of five-year treasury bonds is 2.5 percent, which is 0.1 [percentage points] higher. Many elderly people still prefer deposits and treasury bonds which guarantee capital repayment with a fixed interest rate," said Lan Shan, vice president of Agricultural Bank of China's Beijing Cuiwei Tower Branch.
The issuance of the two bonds will end on May 19.
Treasury bonds popular with investors across China
As the uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration's tariff policies fuels inflationary fears in the United States, a number of consumers have resorted to panic buying amid growing concerns that costs could shoot up.
With price hikes expected on goods such as automobiles, beauty products, and even on everyday food items, many residents say they have been rushing out to stock up before prices climb even further.
In recent street interviews with the China Global Television Network (CGTN), New York residents shared how the impact of the ongoing tariff war is affecting their daily lives.
"Actually, I already have. I've already started stocking up. My mother has a whole stockpile, and she's panicking. But I told her we're going to be okay, as we live in New York City," said Amelia Guilford, a retail worker who was visiting her mother in the city.
With many anticipating a rise in inflation, many Americans are concerned about the long-term financial impact, and say they are now being more prudent with their money.
"I think we have to [spend more carefully]. Because otherwise you're going to be in real trouble economically or in debt, because if you spend more than what you get, that's going to be a lot of trouble," said Jose Pena, a janitor.
The tariffs, which directly affect the price of imported goods, have led to predictions of significant price increases, particularly on goods coming from China, which has been the biggest target of the tariffs.
"[Products] from China are going to be more expensive. I cannot exactly name what kind of products one by one, but every one that comes from China is going to be more expensive, without a doubt," said Pena.
Public frustration is evident, with some questioning the logic behind U.S. President Donald Trump's risky and unpredictable pursuit of tariffs on other countries, as the debate over the long-term consequences of the policy intensifies.
"I think he's just making enemies, and I trust him not. And I think he's making a mess of everything. I think it's all going to come around and flip back. The changes he's doing are completely unsustainable," said Lois Adams, a nurse, as she expressed her disapproval of Trump's approach.
Ordinary Americans are facing up to the harsh reality of rising prices and remain anxious about the future economic impact of the continuing trade war.
Jerome Wilkins, a security worker, voiced concerns about the broader societal implications of the tariffs, warning it will again be the poorest people who suffer the most.
"I think that the tariffs are horrible. I think that it's like privatizing America, and instead of America being a country for the people, it's a corporation for the rich. And it's just for them to get richer, while the poor get poorer. And that's basically how I feel," said Wilkins.
Meanwhile, the Chinese government announced it would raise tariffs on all imported U.S. goods from 34 percent to 84 percent, effective Wednesday, in response to the U.S. decision to escalate its "reciprocal tariffs" on Chinese products, further adding to the economic strain.
Tariff war triggers panic buying in US, raising public concerns over rising costs
