(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose steep new tariffs and restrict the export of key American software following China’s decision to tighten control over rare earth mineral exports.

“Based on the fact that China has taken this unprecedented position, and speaking only for the U.S.A., and not other nations who were similarly threatened, starting November 1st, 2025 (or sooner, depending on any further actions or changes taken by China), the United States of America will impose a tariff of 100% on China, over and above any tariff that they are currently paying,” Trump wrote on his social media platform.

“Also on November 1st, we will impose Export Controls on any and all critical software. It is impossible to believe that China would have taken such an action, but they have, and the rest is history,” he added.

Trump’s statements came shortly after Beijing announced new limits on the export of rare earth materials. The move prompted the US president to reconsider an upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, saying there was now “no reason” to proceed with the planned discussion.

According to reports, China’s new export rules expand restrictions on rare earth processing and manufacturing technologies, banning collaboration with foreign entities without prior government approval.

The Chinese Commerce Ministry stated that the measures were designed to protect national security and interests. The export curbs cover technologies related to rare earth mining, smelting, separation, magnetic material production, and recycling of secondary resources.

Authorities specified that any export, maintenance, or upgrading of production lines tied to these materials requires official authorization.

This development follows similar restrictions introduced by Beijing earlier in the year, which led to temporary global shortages before trade resumed under new agreements with the US and European nations.

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