Filenews 13 October 2025
Tensions in US-China trade relations are flaring up, causing concern in international markets and a spike in the price of gold. US President Donald Trump, although he seeks to appear as a peacemaker at the Sharm el-Sheikh conference on Gaza, has reopened a front with Beijing, which responds with tough countermeasures.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump tried to calm the spirits, stating:
"Don't worry about China, everything will be fine! The honourable President Xi just had a bad time. The U.S. wants to help China, not hurt it."
This statement came after his sharp statements that China's moves "affect all countries" and are an "unheard-of blow to International Trade".
🔹 Retaliation from Beijing
The Chinese government reacted strongly, announcing a ban on exports of rare earths to the US – elements critical to the military industry and cutting-edge technology. The measure, which will take effect in a month, also includes restrictions on exports of high-performance batteries, machine tools, industrial diamonds and precision cutting materials.
In addition, China is implementing offshore jurisdiction for the first time, prohibiting the re-export of products containing Chinese rare earths without Beijing's prior permission. In this way, it gains control over critical supply chains, such as:
- advanced semiconductors,
- electric vehicles and drones,
- precision manufacturing.
🔹 US response with tariffs and pressure
In retaliation, Trump announced 100% tariffs on Chinese goods from November 1, while threatening restrictions on Boeing's exports of components to China. This decision reverses the June "moratorium" between the two countries and brings the trade war back in full swing. The markets react strongly: Asian stock markets have fallen, while the price of gold is on a historic rally.
🔹 The role of the "Hawks" and the danger to American industry
Sources in Washington estimate that Trump was swept away by the "cranes" of the trade war, before he realized the danger for critical American industries, such as Artificial Intelligence – already in a "bubble" phase – and the defense industry, which depends on rare earths.
🔹 International Implications and Scalability
China continued the show of force, asking Australia to price in yuan the iron ore it exports to Beijing — a reversal of roles in the global raw materials market.
At the same time, the Netherlands, at the urging of the Americans, brought the Chinese-owned company Nexperia under state control, replacing the management and transferring the share capital to a trust.
This new resurgence of the US-China trade war is shaping an explosive geo-economic scene, with repercussions on the global energy, technology and raw materials markets. As analysts comment, the "dashboard" of international trade is once again entering a phase of tension and uncertainty.
