Trump threatens 200% tariffs on China for rare earth magnets

The US president warns Beijing: strategic supplies or increased trade tariffs

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs of up to 200% on Chinese imports if China does not guarantee reliable supplies of magnets made from rare earths. Speaking at the White House with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Trump said: ‘They have to supply us with magnets. If they don’t supply us, then we have to impose 200% tariffs on them or something like that.’

Rare earths, a critical resource for the US economy
Rare earths are essential for modern technologies such as smartphones, wind turbines, electric vehicles and military equipment. Magnets made from these metals play a key role, and China remains the world leader in production and processing, making the United States heavily dependent on imports.

Diplomacy and upcoming talks
Despite the tensions, the first round of talks between China and the US is scheduled to take place in Washington this week with Li Chenggang, China’s vice minister of commerce, and US officials from the Treasury Department and the Trade Representative. Among the issues on the table, in addition to magnets, are soybean orders and the easing of tariffs linked to the fentanyl dossier.

Context and strategic choices
Trump’s statements contrast with the conciliatory tone of early August, when the White House extended the trade truce with Beijing by 90 days. The US administration is also considering stricter controls on Chinese imports of steel, copper and lithium, and is maintaining pressure to reduce the trade deficit. The tycoon has also opened up to the possibility of an official visit to China by the end of the year.

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