Beijing Slams US of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Over Import Duty Ultimatum

Trump’s latest threat to impose an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also warned to pull out of a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to press queries – mirrored language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a means of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.