Trump Announces 100% Tariffs on Chinese Imports, China Retaliates with Fees on US Vessels
WASHINGTON – In a sharp escalation of trade tensions, former US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 100% tariff on all imports from China, beginning November 1, 2025. The move, detailed in a post on truth Social on Friday (November 10, 2025), is a direct response to China’s restrictions on exports of rare earth minerals, vital components for industries including automotive, defense, and semiconductors – of which China controls approximately 70% of the global supply.
“Based on the fact that China has taken this unprecedented position, and is speaking only on behalf of the US, and not other countries that are also threatened, starting November 1, 2025 (or sooner, depending on further actions or changes taken by China), the United States will impose 100% Tariffs on China, on top of any Tariffs they currently pay,” Trump wrote, as reported by CNBC.
Beyond the tariffs, Trump also stated the US would implement export controls on all software starting the same date and announced he would cancel a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in South Korea, citing China’s rare earth mineral policy. He further announced special fees of US$50 per net ton for Chinese ships calling at US ports, effective October 14, 2025.
China swiftly responded with reciprocal measures, announcing entry fees for US ships. The Chinese Ministry of Transportation set a fee of 400 yuan, equivalent to approximately US$56 per net ton, for US vessels. Beijing characterized the US policy as a violation of international trade principles and detrimental to China-US maritime trade, and plans to incrementally increase these fees through April 17, 2028.
The Chinese fees will apply to ships owned by US businesses, organizations, individuals, and entities holding a 25% or greater stake, and also vessels flagged or manufactured in the United States.
Michael Hart, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, warned of the potential economic consequences, stating, “In the short term, (imposing fees on Chinese ships) will result in increased costs for US consumers, reduced profits for shippers, and a slight decrease in demand for exports to the US in certain categories,” according to a seperate CNBC report.
The escalating tensions arrive despite recent telephone conversations between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping, and prior plans for a potential in-person meeting in South Korea. The future of those talks remains uncertain as the trade dispute intensifies.
(shc/hns)
