US President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping new round of tariffs on Chinese goods, reigniting tensions between Washington and Beijing in what appears to be a new phase of the long-running US-China trade war.
The president said on Friday that the United States will impose a 100% tariff on all Chinese imports, in addition to the existing 30% duties. The measure is expected to take effect on November 1 or earlier, depending on China’s next steps.
The move follows China’s decision to introduce export controls on rare earth elements, vital materials used in the production of electronics, renewable energy technologies, and military equipment. Beijing said the restrictions were necessary to “safeguard national security and interests.”
Mr Trump condemned the Chinese action, calling it “extraordinarily aggressive” and “a moral disgrace in dealing with other nations.”
“Based on the fact that China has taken this unprecedented position,” he said, “the United States of America will impose a tariff of 100% on China, over and above any tariff that they are currently paying.”
The president also announced plans to restrict US exports of critical software, a move likely to further strain economic ties between the world’s two largest economies.
China is one of the leading exporters of electronics to the United States — a sector that had previously been granted partial relief during earlier rounds of tariffs. Electronics had faced a 20% rate, compared with the 145% levies placed on most other Chinese imports.
The trade standoff between the two countries has seen multiple rounds of retaliatory tariffs. China had previously lowered its duties on US goods from 125% to 10%, after Washington reduced its own from 145% to 30%.
Mr Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping had been expected to meet later this month in South Korea to discuss trade and security issues. However, in a post on his Truth Social platform following the announcement, Mr Trump said he no longer saw a reason to proceed with the meeting.
The announcement signals a sharp escalation in the trade conflict, with potential ripple effects across global markets, manufacturing, and technology supply chains.