China Accuses United States of ‘Double Standards’ Concerning Import Duty Ultimatum

Trump’s newest threat to impose an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on products from China subject to an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.