Donald Trump has once again made a move that evokes global apprehension. The President announced a 100% tariff on all imported goods from China, set to be effective from November 1, 2025. This tariff hike forecasts an escalating trade war between the US and China. In response to the US tariffs, China has decidedly counter-attacked, labeling Trump's tariffs as arbitrary double standards and issuing a stark warning of retaliatory measures.
China's Firm Retort to Trump
The US President announced a 100% tariff not only on Chinese products but also tight export controls on key American-made software. In retaliation, China issued a stern response, describing Washington's actions as a monumental example of arbitrary double standards. China's Ministry of Commerce sharply criticized this decision, insisting that such measures severely harm both China's interests and the atmosphere of bilateral economic and trade dialogue.
Source: aajtak
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce firmly stated that these American steps considerably damage China's interests and undermine the bilateral economic and trade negotiation ambiance. In a concise reply, the Ministry said, 'China does not wish for conflict but does not fear it; if necessary, we will reciprocate strongly.'
'Not the Right Approach to Dialogue with China...'
In its official statement, the Chinese Ministry highlighted that since the recent trade talks in Madrid, the US has repeatedly imposed new sanctions on China, naming many Chinese companies in its export control and restricted lists. The statement read, 'Threatening high tariffs at every turn is not the right way to engage with China. We urge the US to rectify its wrongful practices immediately and sustain a stable, healthy development in China-US economic-trade relations.'
China has also mentioned that it will impose special port charges on US-linked ships. This move has been categorized as a necessary defensive measure in response to new US tariffs. The Ministry warned that if the US remains steadfast in its stance, China will not hesitate to take necessary steps to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.
Source: aajtak
Why Did Trump Impose High Tariffs on China?
Notably, in a post on Truth Social this past Friday night, Donald Trump announced a 100% tariff on China, accusing Beijing of adopting an aggressive stance in trade, matching the US's preparedness to respond equivalently. He mentioned, 'Starting November 1, the United States will impose a 100% tariff on China, exceeding any current tariff paid by China.' The US President claimed that China's sweeping export restrictions on product ranges represent a moral affront to trade.
This decision to impose a sweeping tariff on China comes after Beijing's step last Thursday to tighten export control on rare earth materials. President Trump accused this move as an attempt to hold the global economy hostage.
Will the Trump-Xi Meet Happen?
Numerous analysts have warned that the US's new tariffs could affect sectors from consumer electronics to electric vehicles, industries already grappling with trade war tensions. They noted that this announcement arrives as Donald Trump is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, although he has threatened to cancel this meeting. Meanwhile, Beijing has not confirmed this summit.
