Trump warns Beijing of ‘155% tariffs’ as trade tensions flare ahead of November deadline

In a fiery warning to Beijing, US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a “potential 155% tariff” on Chinese imports if President Xi Jinping fails to reach a “fair trade deal” with Washington before November 1. The remarks came during a White House ceremony where Trump signed a critical minerals agreement with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on October 20.

Trump said China must address key issues including rare earth exports, fentanyl trafficking, and agricultural trade — particularly soybeans — to avoid sweeping new tariffs. “China’s paying 55% (tariffs), that’s a lot of money,” Trump told reporters. “And a potential 155% come November 1st unless we make a deal.”

The warning marks one of Trump’s most aggressive trade threats in recent months, signaling a hardline stance as negotiations between Washington and Beijing drag on. Despite the tough rhetoric, Trump struck an optimistic tone about his personal rapport with Xi, saying, “We have a very good relationship and we’ll be meeting in South Korea in a couple of weeks. I think we’ll end up with a very strong trade deal. Both of us will be happy.”

Trump also touted his administration’s success in renegotiating trade pacts with other nations, insisting that countries can “no longer take advantage of the United States.”

Hours after Trump’s remarks, Beijing appeared to recalibrate its trade leadership — confirming the removal of top trade negotiator Li Chenggang as China’s permanent representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Li Yongjie has been appointed as his replacement, according to a WTO statement cited by Reuters.

The sharp escalation in rhetoric adds uncertainty to global markets already wary of renewed US-China trade friction, with less than two weeks left before the White House’s self-imposed tariff deadline.