US President Donald Trump has announced that the US will proceed with a 155% tariff on Chinese goods starting 1st November, despite his stated wish to maintain friendly relations with Beijing. Responding to questions about China’s role as Russia’s largest oil importer, Trump said the tariffs are a necessary response to years of one-sided trade practices that have disadvantaged the US. He emphasised that past administrations allowed China to exploit the US economically, and strong measures are now required.

Trump defended tariffs as tools for national security and economic leverage, citing successful deals with the EU, Japan, and South Korea built on similar strategies. He added that tariffs have brought hundreds of billions into the US and will help reduce the national debt. The move is part of a broader secondary tariff approach targeting countries seen as indirectly supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine, particularly through energy trade.