🔗 Share this article

Trump’s newest warning to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

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

The previous week, China declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.