WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump vowed to impose further tariffs on Chinese goods following Beijing’s restrictions on exports of graphite, a critical material for electric vehicle batteries, escalating trade tensions between the two economic superpowers. The move, announced October 11, 2025, signals a potential return to the aggressive trade policies that defined Trump’s first term and raises concerns about disruptions to global supply chains and increased costs for consumers.
China‘s Commerce Ministry announced the export controls on December 1,2023,citing national security concerns. Graphite is essential in the production of EV batteries,and China dominates both its mining and processing. The restrictions require exporters to obtain permits, a move widely interpreted as retaliation for U.S. efforts to limit china’s access to advanced semiconductor technology. Trump’s response, delivered via his social media platform, pledged tariffs ”far bigger and more powerful” than those implemented during his previous presidency, without specifying the exact products or rates.
The escalating rhetoric comes as the U.S. and China are increasingly locked in economic competition, vying for leadership in key industries like technology and renewable energy. The potential for a trade war looms large, with both nations reaching for thier economic weapons at the same time, and neither seems willing to back down. The implications extend beyond the two countries, potentially impacting global economic growth and exacerbating inflationary pressures.
