Trump’s announcement on October 10th included these new tariffs. He said they would take effect by November 1st. He added that certain critical software exports would also face restrictions. These steps, he explained, were a direct response to China’s recent moves. China had just tightened its export rules on rare earth minerals. Trump called these Chinese actions “extremely aggressive.”
Adding to the friction, Trump questioned a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders were reportedly set to meet in South Korea in about three weeks. Trump posted on Truth Social, saying, “Now there seems to be no reason to do so.” He later told reporters at the White House, “I haven’t cancelled it yet.” Still, China had never even confirmed such a meeting was happening.
China’s Ministry of Commerce didn’t hold back in its online statement. A spokesperson said the US had been increasing economic pressure since September. They argued these actions seriously hurt China’s interests. The ministry felt it also damaged the mood for trade talks. They warned that “threatening high tariffs in every situation is not the correct way to engage with China.”
Currently, many Chinese products entering the US already face a 30% import tax. Trump first put these tariffs in place earlier. He blamed China for helping with fentanyl trade and other unfair practices. In return, China applies a 10% tariff on goods from the United States.
Rare earth minerals are at the heart of this latest trade fight. These materials are vital for countless modern products. Think smartphones, electric cars, even military gear and green energy tech. China holds a dominant position in mining and processing these special minerals worldwide. Just last Thursday, China revealed new export controls. These rules cover the technology used to extract and process these critical minerals.
Trump reacted strongly to China’s rare earth controls. He stated that China had shown an “extremely hostile” attitude. He believes China should not be allowed to “hold the world hostage” with its control over these resources.
Source: AFP