China Accuses America of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Concerning Import Duty Ultimatum

The former US president’s most recent threat to impose an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements renewed fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with China,” the official stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.