Trump Agree 100% Tariff on China ‘Not Sustainable,’ Blames Beijing for Trade Standoff

The President od US Donald Trump has admits that his statement of 100 percent tariff on Chinese goods is economically “not endurable ,” even as he defended the move as a necessary response to China’s tightening of export controls on rare earth elements critical materials for high-tech manufacturing.

In an interview with Fox Business Network aired Friday, Trump said the sharp tariff escalation was forced by Beijing’s latest trade actions. “It’s not sustainable, but that’s what the number is,” he told Mornings with Maria. “They forced me to do that.”

The announcement follows China’s decision to expand its export restrictions on rare earth materials, a move that sent ripples through global tech and manufacturing sectors. The US president’s new measures include additional 100 percent levies on all China-bound exports to the United States and fresh export controls on “critical software” set to take effect by November 1 just days before current tariff relief is due to expire.

Despite the tough rhetoric, Trump hinted at a possible easing of tensions, confirming plans to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea within two weeks. “I think we’re going to be fine with China, but we have to have a fair deal. It’s got to be fair,” Trump remarked, striking a more conciliatory tone after a week of heightened trade pressure.

The announcement appeared to calm early jitters on Wall Street, with major US indexes recovering some ground following steep declines tied to trade uncertainty and credit concerns among regional banks.

Adding to signs of a potential thaw, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng were expected to hold a phone discussion later Friday to continue trade negotiations, according to CNBC. The call comes days after Bessent accused one of He’s senior aides of being “unhinged” — a charge Beijing has firmly rejected.

Economists warn that prolonged trade friction between the world’s two largest economies could weigh on global growth, with the rare earth supply chain emerging as a critical pressure point. However, Trump’s latest comments suggest Washington may still be open to a negotiated path forward if talks with Beijing regain momentum in the coming weeks.