On October 15, 2025, the United States Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, stated on Tuesday (October 14) that the decision to impose a 100% tariff on imports from China by November 1st or earlier will depend on Beijing’s next steps in the rare earth dispute. He also believes that it may be difficult for the Chinese side to find a solution that satisfies both parties.
Greer, in an interview with CNBC, emphasized that the escalation of the situation largely depends on the actions of the Chinese government, as they have chosen to significantly escalate the situation.
Last week, the Chinese government announced comprehensive restrictions on rare earth exports, which, if implemented, would disrupt global defense, technology, semiconductor, and automotive industries. In retaliation, Trump has opted to significantly increase tariffs and impose high-tech export controls.
Greer mentioned that there were staff-level talks between U.S. and Chinese officials in Washington D.C. on Monday, and he still believes there is a possibility to resolve the dispute surrounding the restrictions on crucial minerals.
“We believe we can resolve this issue, but we cannot tolerate China (the Chinese Communist Party) continuing to uphold this system and wanting veto power over the global high-tech supply chain,” he said. “I think they have realized they have overstepped.”
Greer described President Trump as a “deal facilitator,” stating that both he and Treasury Secretary Besent have previously attempted to find a way forward with the Chinese government.
He pointed out that during Monday’s talks, Chinese officials had made contradictory statements regarding the purpose of these restrictive measures. He added that Chinese officials insist that these restrictions are both retaliation against other U.S. measures and for national security purposes, but the two objectives are incompatible.
According to Greer, the United States also has leverage, highlighting that China’s economy heavily relies on exports, the value of Chinese real estate is declining, and they are facing high unemployment rates.
“Both sides have leverage. If necessary, we can implement our own export control measures,” he said. “But that’s not what we want. We are working to maintain a good relationship with China, so we need them to make changes.”
On Monday (October 13), Besent, in an interview with the Financial Times, stated that China’s comprehensive export controls on rare earths and critical minerals reflect their own “economic problems.”
“This shows how weak their economy is, and they want to drag others down with them,” Besent said. “Perhaps there is some kind of Leninist-style business model where they think hurting their customers is a good idea, but they are the world’s largest suppliers. If they want to slow down the global economy, they will hurt themselves the most.”
On Tuesday, Greer mentioned that there are still plans for a meeting between President Trump and the Chinese Communist Party leader, Xi Jinping, but he remains open to whether the meeting will take place.
“So, there is a plan. We have set a time for it,” Greer said. “You know, I don’t want to make any commitments in advance, whether from us or China, but I think it’s reasonable for both sides to negotiate under the right conditions.”
Rare earths are essential minerals for manufacturing magnets, which are crucial materials for U.S. weapon platforms, electric vehicles, semiconductor industries, and other applications. According to data from the International Energy Agency, China controls approximately 60% of global rare earth mining and over 90% of rare earth refining.
The potential escalation of the U.S.-China trade war has led to fluctuating markets in the United States. Greer mentioned that the White House is closely monitoring the situation, with the government’s focus being on bringing supply chains back to the U.S. and reducing reliance on China to achieve long-term economic success.