By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In response to China’s new export controls on rare earth minerals, President Trump threatened significant retaliatory measures. He announced the potential for “a massive increase of Tariffs” on Chinese imports, as well as other countermeasures under consideration. Trump’s post also included a threat to cancel his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. These announcements followed China’s implementation of new regulations requiring licenses for the export of products containing rare earths, a move that caused stock markets to decline.
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Trump threatens ‘massive’ tariff hike on China over rare earths dispute. Honestly, it’s like a broken record at this point, isn’t it? It’s all about those tariffs again, specifically aimed at China, and this time the focus is on rare earths. He’s promising a “massive” increase, and frankly, it’s hard not to feel a sense of déjà vu. You can almost see the headlines already.
Now, the crux of the matter seems to be China’s control over rare earths, those crucial elements used in everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to advanced military technology. Apparently, China is playing hardball, and Trump’s response is the classic playbook move: tariffs. But the question is, will it actually work this time, or are we just heading back to the same old song and dance?
The thing is, it’s hard to see how this changes much, at least from China’s perspective. They don’t seem particularly worried. Demand for their products exists outside of the US. American consumers are likely to get the short end of the stick again. Tariffs could be seen as a burden for the US consumers but China appears unphased, seemingly unfazed.
Looking back at the previous rounds of tariffs, it’s difficult to point to any significant victories for the U.S. They haven’t exactly solved all the problems, have they? They may have actually hurt American businesses and consumers more than anyone else. And while some countries, like Argentina, might briefly benefit from these policies, it seems more like a case of unintended consequences than a strategic masterstroke. They would benefit from sales of crops to China.
Consider the impact on US farmers. More tariffs, potentially more problems. It would be an act of market manipulation.
What’s more baffling is the apparent disconnect from reality. Claims that the relationship with China has been “very good” recently seem to fly in the face of the actual trade dynamics. It’s as if the old playbook has been dusted off for another round, regardless of the outcome.
It’s almost like this is the only lever available. If tariffs didn’t work before, why would they magically work now? Is this truly his only strategy? It feels like a waste of time.
China is unlikely to be intimidated. They won’t sell rare earths, and if that is the case, how can this actually benefit America? Why not just make a deal?
The irony is, the U.S. also restricts the sale of its own technology, even going so far as to cripple systems sold to other nations if it suits its goals. Seems a bit hypocritical, doesn’t it?
Ultimately, it’s a game, a Friday market manipulation for profit. Americans pay more to continue to make someone more wealthy.
Let’s be real, who’s going to foot the bill for these tariffs? It’s the American people, just like last time. This move is nothing more than a tax on the American people. The market isn’t a toy.
And honestly, what leverage does the U.S. actually have in this situation? It feels like he’s just throwing threats around, hoping something sticks. As long as a deal can be made, I hope someone can get it done.
The whole situation just seems performative at this point. He screams about tariffs, but it doesn’t feel like actual negotiation. It’s like an episode of the same show again.