US Trade Representative: "100% Additional Tariffs on China Depend on Beijing's Response"

"Senior US and Chinese Officials Communicated on the 13th"
"Summit Meeting Scheduled on the Sidelines of APEC"

As U.S.-China trade tensions reignite, Jamison Greer, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), stated on October 14 (local time) that the imposition of additional tariffs of up to 100% on China depends on how China responds. He also mentioned that a U.S.-China summit could take place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit scheduled for October 31 in Gyeongju.

In an interview with U.S. business media outlet CNBC that day, Greer emphasized, "Much depends on how China responds," and added, "It was China that chose such significant tension."

Jamison Greer, USTR Representative. Photo by AP Yonhap News

He further stated, "We cannot allow China to continue maintaining a system where it effectively wields a veto over the global advanced technology supply chain."

On October 9, China announced export control measures on rare earth elements, which are strategic minerals. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the United States relies on China for about 70% of its rare earth imports. This measure could deliver a critical blow to U.S. industries such as defense, electric vehicles, and semiconductors. In response, President Trump warned that starting November 1, the U.S. would impose an additional 100% tariff, signaling a tit-for-tat strategy. The previous day, both countries began imposing port entry fees on each other's vessels.

With speculation rising that President Trump and President Xi Jinping may meet directly at the end of this month during the APEC summit, concerns are growing as trade tensions between the two countries escalate. Greer stated that while President Trump and President Xi still plan to meet, the plans could change depending on circumstances. He said, "I don't want to make any definitive statements about whether the meeting will happen," but added, "However, meeting when possible is a reasonable thing to do." He also mentioned that there is a "scheduled time," leaving the possibility of the summit open.

Greer revealed that high-level officials from the U.S. and China communicated in Washington, D.C. the previous day. He expressed hope for a diplomatic resolution, saying, "We believe we can resolve this issue."

He added, "The White House is also monitoring market trends, but the Trump administration's focus is on building long-term economic success by reshoring supply chains and reducing dependence on China."