Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs as China Responds with Export Controls

HONG KONG — President Donald Trump expressed shock over China’s decision to impose sweeping export controls on rare earths, accusing the country of becoming hostile. The announcement from Beijing comes after the U.S. intensified restrictions on Chinese firms.

In a recent escalation of tensions, Trump stated he would restore tariffs on Chinese imports to as much as 100%, prompting backlash from the Chinese government. The new sanctions have stirred fears of a return to a trade war akin to the one that saw tariffs reach embargo-like levels last spring.

As trade negotiations stall, concerns grow over a planned meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea later this month. While Trump hinted at potentially canceling the meeting, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remained optimistic about its likelihood.

China’s commerce ministry maintains that it is open to dialogue but reiterated that the U.S. cannot threaten new sanctions while seeking talks. Jin Canrong, a professor at Renmin University, argued that the Trump administration’s actions have provoked Beijing’s response, noting, “The U.S. now pretends to be innocent.”

Despite earlier signs of improved relations, recent U.S. actions have increased tensions. The American government expanded export controls just days after a positive phone call between Trump and Xi, further escalating an already fragile situation.

Experts highlight that China’s new controls on rare earth exports are a reaction to the U.S.’s latest measures. These rare earths are essential for many industries, including technology and defense, and China controls a majority of the global supply. The restrictions implemented by China not only include a larger number of minerals but also extend to technologies used in their production.

As both countries stand firm, economic implications are looming, with global markets beginning to react to the renewed trade skirmishes. Paul Triolo, a technology expert, underscored the stakes, stating, “We’re sort of at the edge of an abyss again.”

With Trump’s domestic challenges, including pressure from a government shutdown, China’s ability to leverage its position on rare earths could complicate matters further. “The message to Americans is to be realistic — it’s better to cooperate with China,” said Wang Yiwei, an international relations scholar.

Trump’s latest comments on social media reflected a possible shift in tone, suggesting a desire to help rather than hurt China. However, with critical negotiations hanging in the balance, the next steps remain uncertain as both nations prepare for potential confrontation.