🔗 Share this article

Donald Trump’s latest threat to introduce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

The official said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with China,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state handles about 90% 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 strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.