🔗 Share this article

The former US president’s latest threat to impose an further full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a planned talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on products from China incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

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

Last week, Beijing announced it was tightening export controls on rare earths and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.