🔗 Share this article

Donald Trump’s newest warning to impose an additional full import duty on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also warned to withdraw from a arranged meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on products from China incurring an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to press queries – echoed terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The official said that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with China,” the official stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.