U.S. And China Back On The Brink Of Trade Conflict
- 14.10.2025, 10:23
Beijing imposed levies on U.S. ships and restricted exports of rare earth metals.
The trade standoff between the U.S. and China is escalating after new port fees went into effect. Starting Tuesday, the two countries began levying additional charges on each other's ships.
The BBC reports.
China said the fees imposed are aimed at protecting the nation's shipping industry from "discriminatory" U.S. actions. They apply to ships owned or operated by U.S. companies, particularly those with more than 25 percent U.S. equity.
Beijing announced the measures last week at the same time it imposed controls on rare earth metal exports. In response, US President Donald Trump threatened additional 100% tariffs on Chinese goods.
In the meantime, new duties on imports of wood, furniture and kitchen equipment, much of which comes from China, went into effect in the US.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Trump and Chinese leader Si Jinping could meet in South Korea in late October to discuss de-escalation.
"A 100 percent tariff does not have to be imposed... Relations, despite this announcement last week, are good. The lines of communication have been restored, so we'll see where this goes," Bessent said.
Beijing, on the other hand, said it was ready for both negotiations and confrontation.
"China's position is consistent. If there is a fight, we will fight to the end; if there is a negotiation, the door is open. The U.S. cannot demand negotiations while imposing new restrictive measures through threats and intimidation. This is not the right way to engage with China," said a spokesman for China's Ministry of Commerce.
Chinese state media accused the US of violating the maritime agreement between the countries.
According to the publication, the port fee for US ships will be 400 yuan per ton and will rise annually, reaching 1,120 yuan in 2028.
Experts estimate that some large ships will have to pay up to $3 million as early as this year, and more than $10 million by 2028.
At the same time, Chinese ships, which make up nearly half of the world's fleet, have received an exemption from the new fees.