President Donald Trump canceled plans to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping after China tightened export controls on rare earth minerals. Trump also threatened a 100% tariff on Chinese goods starting November 1, 2025. The move signals escalating tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that China has taken an unprecedented position, threatening all nations relying on its rare earth minerals. He added that the United States would impose tariffs in response and enforce export controls on critical software.
The president accused China of acting hostilely, sending letters to various countries warning them of impending export restrictions. He said these measures targeted rare earth minerals and related production elements worldwide.
Trump expressed surprise at China’s decision despite his previously “very good” relations with the country over the past six months. He described the crackdown as a long-anticipated, hostile action that confirms his previous warnings.
The White House had suggested a potential meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea later this month. However, Trump said current developments removed any reason for such a discussion.
China controls a dominant share of the rare earth minerals and magnets market, critical for electronics globally. Experts warn that limiting access could disrupt technology supply chains and affect industries from renewable energy to defense.
China recently expanded export controls to five additional rare earth metals: holmium, erbium, thulium, europium, and ytterbium. The country also restricted technology exports used to refine these minerals, intensifying supply constraints.
Trade analysts noted that tensions follow months of U.S.-China negotiations involving tit-for-tat tariffs. They said Trump’s announcement could further strain trade relations and pressure global markets dependent on rare earth minerals.
Officials said the tariff and export control measures would take effect in early November, unless China reverses or modifies its actions. The administration also emphasized protecting U.S. access to critical minerals and technology supply chains.
Observers stated that the U.S. response reflects concerns about China using rare earths as geopolitical leverage. Industry leaders warned of potential disruptions in electronics manufacturing and defense production if restrictions continue.
Trump’s decision underscores the administration’s willingness to escalate measures to safeguard U.S. economic and national security interests. Future negotiations will likely hinge on reversing China’s export restrictions while maintaining pressure through tariffs and controls.
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