President Donald Trump declared on Friday that the United States will impose a 100 per cent tariff on all Chinese imports, effective from 1 November, also announcing sweeping export controls on US-made critical software.
The move, triggered by reports of China’s plans to introduce its own export restrictions, intensifies the escalating trade war and could disrupt global commerce. Both nations now face rising tensions, with prospects for high-level dialogue deteriorating and impacts set to reach worldwide markets and industries.
Trump Responds to China’s ‘Aggressive’ Stance
Trump revealed the new tariffs via Truth Social, accusing China of taking an “extraordinarily aggressive” approach to trade. He characterised a recent communication from Beijing to other nations as “hostile,” referencing China’s threat to impose far-reaching export controls on almost all of its products and on some not even produced domestically.
“It is absolutely unheard of in International Trade, and a moral disgrace in dealing with other Nations,” Trump said. Alongside import tariffs, he announced that, from November 1, strict export controls would apply to all critical software produced in the US, stressing that this decision followed China’s “plan devised years ago” and warning of firm American retaliation.
Diplomatic Fallout and Escalating Tensions
Relations have sharply deteriorated since earlier rounds of tit-for-tat tariffs and ongoing disputes over technology. Trump indicated he might cancel a previously scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the upcoming APEC summit in South Korea, citing a lack of reason to proceed amid rising hostilities.
He accused Beijing of seeking to control rare earth exports and targeting global production chains, suggesting these measures could have wide-reaching impacts for all countries, not just the US.
These developments mark a significant setback to any hopes for negotiation or resolution, with Trump stating he has not spoken to Xi “because there was no reason to do so.”
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
In an increasingly tangled trade war, ordinary citizens and small businesses risk bearing the brunt of disrupted supply chains, higher prices, and declining job prospects, while global tensions threaten economic stability for all.
The Logical Indian urges the US and China to replace confrontation with transparent talks grounded in empathy, fairness, and shared responsibility. Ultimately, cooperation and peaceful dialogue, not punitive actions, will foster sustainable growth and harmony.
