(Image source from: news.abplive.com)
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump announced that the United States would proceed with plans to set a 155 percent tax on Chinese products brought into the country starting on November 1, despite his wishes for a friendly relationship with China. When asked by ANI if taxes would be applied to China, given that it remains Russia's top oil buyer, he replied, "As of November 1st, China will face tariffs of around 155 percent. I don't believe this can last for them." Trump mentioned that while he personally wishes to have good relations with China, many years of unfair economic practices have left the US with little option but to respond strongly. "I want to show kindness to China. However, China has been quite tough on us throughout the years due to past presidents who didn't make smart business decisions... They let China and other nations take advantage of us," Trump stated. He also highlighted that his prior trade agreements with the European Union, Japan, and South Korea were based on tariffs, which he sees as a means for "national security."
"I reached an agreement with the European Union. I struck a deal with Japan and South Korea. Many of these agreements are beneficial. It revolves around national security. I accomplished this due to tariffs. We are bringing in hundreds of billions, potentially trillions, into the US... We'll begin to reduce our debt," Trump said.
Trump's statement emphasizes the growing "secondary tariff" approach that Washington is utilizing against nations believed to be indirectly supporting Russia’s military actions in Ukraine through energy sales. While previous actions have impacted India, where a 50 percent tax was applied for Russian oil imports, this latest action indicates a wider escalation aimed at China, the largest buyer of Russian crude. Moreover, Trump previously declared on Truth Social an additional 100 percent tax on Chinese products "on top of any tariffs they are currently paying," set to start on November 1.
The US President pointed out that this choice was made after he viewed China as taking "an extremely aggressive stance on trade" by sending "an intensely hostile letter to the global community." He also announced that restrictions would be placed on all essential software exports starting on the same date.
Given that China has adopted this unique stance, and referring solely to the United States, not considering other countries that face similar threats, starting on November 1, 2025 (or even earlier, depending on China's further actions or changes), the United States will implement a 100% Tariff on China, in addition to any Tariff they are already paying. Furthermore, on November 1, we will establish Export Controls on all essential software, his message stated. "It has recently been revealed that China has taken a very aggressive stance on trade by sending a very unfriendly message to the world, declaring that, effective November 1, 2025, they will impose extensive Export Controls on nearly every product they manufacture, as well as some products not produced by them. This move impacts ALL countries, without exception, and was clearly a strategy they created long ago. This behavior is completely unprecedented in International Trade and is a shameful way to interact with other nations," it continued.
