Washington, D.C.: US President Donald Trump on Friday announced sweeping new trade penalties against China, declaring that the United States will impose a 100% tariff on all Chinese goods — in addition to existing duties — effective November 1, 2025, or sooner if Beijing takes further “aggressive” measures.
The President also revealed plans to place export controls on all critical software from the same date, escalating tensions between the two global economic powers.
Trump accuses China of “extraordinarily aggressive” trade stance
Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, alleging that China had sent an “extremely hostile” letter to other nations outlining plans for large-scale export restrictions on nearly every product manufactured in China — and some products not even made domestically.
“It has just been learned that China has taken an extraordinarily aggressive position on trade… affecting all countries, without exception,” Trump wrote. He described China’s actions as “unprecedented” and a moral disgrace in international trade, asserting that the United States would act independently to protect its interests.
“Starting November 1, 2025, the United States will impose a tariff of 100% on China, over and above any tariff they are currently paying,” he said, adding that export controls would apply to any and all critical software.
Beijing expands export restrictions
The announcement comes as China tightens its control over rare earths and critical materials. The country recently added five rare earth elements — holmium, erbium, thulium, europium, and ytterbium — to its restricted list, taking the total controlled rare earths to 12 out of 17 types. These materials are vital for smartphones, electric vehicles, aerospace, and defence applications.
China’s new restrictions also cover production technologies and overseas applications, including those used in semiconductors and defence. The Chinese Commerce Ministry stated that the measures aim to safeguard national security and prevent the materials from being used “directly or indirectly in military and other sensitive fields.” Export controls on lithium batteries and graphite anode materials, essential for electric vehicles, are also part of the new measures.
Trade tensions ahead of APEC Summit
Trump said there was “no reason to meet” with Chinese President Xi Jinping following the announcement, calling Beijing’s actions “very hostile.” However, he later clarified that talks at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in South Korea have not been cancelled.
Experts warn that the escalating measures could disrupt global supply chains, particularly in industries dependent on critical minerals, electronics, and high-tech manufacturing. Observers note that the US and China are increasingly mirroring each other’s export controls, signalling a symmetrical escalation of the trade confrontation.
Conclusion
With 100% tariffs and software export controls set to take effect in November, the US-China trade conflict is entering a new and more intense phase, raising the prospect of economic and supply chain disruptions worldwide as both nations prepare for high-stakes diplomatic and trade engagements.