US-China trade standoff deepens as Trump threatens 155% tariffs from November 1

Trump announces fresh tariffs and export controls on China, warns of tougher measures if trade talks fail to yield results

PGurus Newsdesk

October 21, 2025

Beijing accused of “aggressive trade stance” as Trump issues economic ultimatum

Trump links tariff hike threat to China’s “aggressive trade stance”

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday issued a sharp warning to China, declaring that his administration could impose tariffs as high as 155 per cent starting November 1 if the two nations fail to reach a new trade agreement.

Speaking at the White House alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Trump said that Beijing had been “very respectful” toward Washington but must agree to a fair deal to avoid steep new duties. “They are paying tremendous amounts of money to us in the form of tariffs. As you know, they are paying 55 per cent; that’s a lot of money,” he said.

The president added that past administrations had allowed foreign nations to exploit the U.S. economy, vowing to end such practices. “A lot of countries took advantage of the U.S., and they are not able to take advantage anymore. China’s paying 55 per cent and a potential 155 per cent come November 1st unless we make a deal,” Trump asserted.

Trump also announced plans to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea in the coming weeks, expressing optimism about their discussions. “I think we are going to work out something which is good for both countries,” he said, adding that he hopes China will expand its purchases of American agricultural goods.

“I think when we finish our meetings in South Korea, China and I will have a really fair and great trade deal together,” Trump remarked. “I want them to buy soybeans… It’s going to be fantastic for both countries, and fantastic for the entire world.”

During his Oval Office meeting with Albanese, Trump and the Australian leader signed a multi-billion-dollar agreement to boost cooperation in critical minerals and defence. Albanese said, “USD 8.5 billion is in the pipeline,” emphasizing that the deal would strengthen supply-chain security, energy independence, and military ties between the allies.

Trump’s warning followed a post on Truth Social, where he announced an additional 100 per cent tariff on Chinese imports, effective November 1, on top of existing duties. He said the move came in response to what he described as Beijing’s “extraordinarily aggressive position” on trade, including threats of large-scale export controls.

“Starting November 1, 2025, the United States will impose a tariff of 100% on China, over and above any tariff that they are currently paying,” Trump wrote. “We will also impose export controls on any and all critical software.”

He accused Beijing of taking “a moral disgraceful” stance by planning export restrictions on products “affecting all countries.”

Meanwhile, Trump revealed that he had accepted an invitation to visit China early next year, signalling a potential thaw in relations amid rising economic tensions. “I’ve been invited to go to China. And I’m going to be doing that sometime fairly early next year,” he said.

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