Beijing hits again with uncommon earth curbs, export bans
14 October 2025
3 minute learn
US President Donald Trump has intensified his commerce offensive towards China with a sequence of sweeping tariff measures on billions of {dollars}’ value of imports, aiming to shrink the commerce deficit, revive manufacturing and fight the fentanyl commerce.
Beneath is a reverse timeline of developments within the US-China commerce conflict this yr:
October 12 – Following China’s announcement increasing uncommon earth export controls, US Commerce Consultant Jamison Greer mentioned Washington sought talks, however Beijing deferred. China accused the US of hypocrisy over its new tariffs and defended its export curbs.
October 10 – Trump reignited the commerce conflict, imposing 100% levies on Chinese language exports to the US and new export controls on “crucial software program” from November 1, ending the August truce. He mentioned there was no purpose to fulfill Chinese language President Xi Jinping, although a gathering remains to be anticipated on the upcoming Asia-Pacific Financial Cooperation discussion board. Trump additionally threatened export controls on Boeing components in response to China’s uncommon earth limits.
China launched an antitrust probe into Qualcomm over its buy of Israeli chipmaker Autotalks and introduced new port charges on US-linked vessels beginning October 14, mirroring US measures.
October 9 – China widened export controls on uncommon earths and elevated scrutiny on semiconductor customers. The Trump administration proposed banning Chinese language airways from flying over Russia, citing unfair flight occasions. Trump mentioned soybeans could possibly be mentioned with Xi, whereas warning he could halt imports from China.
October 7 – US lawmakers referred to as for broader bans on chipmaking tools exports to China.
October 1 – Trump mentioned soybeans could be a serious subject when he meets Xi.
September 30 – Greer described 55% tariffs on Chinese language items as a “good established order.”
September 24 – Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent prompt US leverage lay in plane components and sure chemical compounds.
September 21 – A US congressional delegation visited China for the primary time since 2019, urging renewed engagement.
September 19 – Trump and Xi held a cellphone name and agreed to fulfill in six weeks in South Korea to debate commerce and different points.
September 17 – China mentioned it will evaluation TikTok’s know-how exports after a framework settlement on US possession.
September 15 – Washington and Beijing reached a deal to shift TikTok to US management.
September 14 – Bessent and Chinese language Vice Premier He Lifeng led talks in Madrid on commerce and TikTok.
September 4–13 – Trump urged allies to impose tariffs on China to chop Russian oil income.
August 11 – The US and China prolonged their tariff truce for 90 days.
August 10 – Trump referred to as on China to quadruple its US soybean purchases.
August 8 – The US started granting Nvidia export licences for H20 chips to China.
July 28–29 – Officers agreed to increase the tariff truce after talks in Stockholm.
July 15 – Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick mentioned Nvidia would resume AI chip gross sales to China.
July 6 – Trump threatened new tariffs on nations aligned with BRICS.
June 27 – Bessent mentioned points round uncommon earth shipments had been resolved.
June 9–12 – Talks in London led to a framework commerce settlement.
Could 31 – Trump accused China of violating a Geneva settlement on tariffs; China rejected the declare.
Could 28–29 – The US moved to revoke Chinese language scholar visas and limit high-tech exports.
Could 10–12 – Commerce talks in Geneva resulted in a 90-day tariff pause.
April 15–11 – The US launched new export licensing for Nvidia’s H20 chip and China retaliated with tariff hikes and import bans.
April 8–9 – The US raised tariffs on all Chinese language items to 84%; China responded with equal measures.
April 4 – Beijing introduced 34% tariffs on US imports and restricted sorghum and poultry shipments.
April 2 – Trump launched sweeping “liberation day” tariffs of 10% on all imports and 34% on Chinese language items.
March 3–4 – The US doubled fentanyl-related tariffs; China retaliated with levies on vitality and auto imports.
February 1–4 – The US imposed new tariffs on China, Mexico and Canada; Beijing responded with broad sanctions on US corporations and better import duties.
January 21 – In the future after taking workplace, Trump threatened a ten% tariff on Chinese language items, citing fentanyl flows.
