President Trump reaffirmed plans for 100% tariffs on Chinese imports by November 1, citing China’s rare earth mineral export restrictions as a “hostile” move. While the deadline stands, Trump suggested the timeline might shift. Beijing warned of retaliation, but US officials indicated talks with China remain open, despite market jitters.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said the plan to impose 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese imports remains in place for November 1, but hinted that the timeline could change When asked by reporters whether, “100% tariffs on China on November 1st still the plan?” Trump replied, “Yeah. Right now it is. Let’s see what happens.”Further referring to the deadline he added,” For me, November 1st is an eternity.”

This comes as Trump, on Friday, announced further 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese products from November 1 after China restricted exports of rare earth minerals. “Based on the fact that China has taken this unprecedented position… the United States of America will impose a Tariff of 100% on China, over and above any Tariff that they are currently paying,” Trump said on Truth Social.

This came after he called China’s restrictions “very hostile” and criticised the country for sending letters to nations worldwide outlining controls on “each and every element of production having to do with Rare Earths.”As response, Beijing has warned Washington that it will retaliate if Trump proceeds with his tariffs threat, as global investors brace for fresh turbulence in trade relations between the world’s two largest economies.

China’s commerce ministry accused the United States of escalating tensions after Trump announced on Friday that he would impose the additional tariffs on Chinese exports, along with new restrictions on critical software, by November 1. “Wilful threats of high tariffs are not the right way to get along with China,” a spokesperson for the commerce ministry said on Sunday, according to the state news agency Xinhua. “China’s position on the trade war is consistent. We do not want it, but we are not afraid of it.

“If the United States insists on going the wrong way, China will surely take resolute measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests.” Despite the sharp rhetoric, Trump and senior administration officials on Sunday signalled that talks with Beijing remained possible, even as US market futures pointed to another decline amid fears of an intensifying trade conflict.