International Business and TradePolicy

US Treasury Warns China Export Controls Could Force Global Decoupling, Trade Tensions Escalate

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that China’s sweeping new export controls on rare earths and critical minerals could force the world to decouple from Chinese supply chains. The warning comes as Beijing implements licensing requirements that could significantly impact global industries dependent on these strategic materials.

US Officials Warn of Forced Decoupling Over China Export Controls

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has issued a stark warning to Beijing that its new sweeping export controls on rare earth elements and critical minerals could force the world to decouple from China, according to reports from the FirstFT newsletter. Bessent delivered the warning alongside US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer at a news conference, where he stated that “if China wants to be an unreliable partner to the world, then the world will have to decouple.”

International Business and TradePolicy

US Warns of Global Economic Decoupling Over China’s Rare Earth Export Controls

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that China’s sweeping new export controls on rare earth elements could force global economic decoupling. The measures, scheduled for December implementation, have drawn sharp criticism from US officials who describe them as “economic coercion” affecting global supply chains.

US Officials Issue Stern Warning Over China’s Export Controls

United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has delivered a stark warning to Beijing, stating that new export controls on rare earths and critical minerals could force the US and other nations to “decouple” from China, according to reports from a Wednesday news conference. Bessent, speaking alongside US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, emphasized that while the world prefers “de-risking” rather than complete decoupling, China’s actions are pushing global economies in that direction.

BusinessInternational Business and Trade

Apple Boosts China Investments Amid Trade Tensions, Sources Report

Apple is reportedly deepening its investments in China despite escalating trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. The tech giant continues balancing international manufacturing with recent US supply chain commitments.

Apple’s Strategic China Investments Continue Amid Trade Disputes

Technology giant Apple Inc. is reportedly maintaining and expanding its investment presence in China despite ongoing trade tensions between the United States and Chinese governments, according to sources familiar with the matter. This strategic positioning comes as CEO Tim Cook’s recent visit to China coincides with heightened trade disputes between the two economic powers.

ManufacturingMining

Titan Mining’s Graphite Production Expansion Amid China Export Limits

Titan Mining announces graphite concentrate production at its New York facility, with shares soaring 26.8% after China’s expanded export limits. The move aims to supply half of U.S. natural graphite demand, highlighting strategic shifts in global supply chains for EV batteries and renewable energy.

In a significant development for the North American minerals sector, Titan Mining has revealed plans to commence graphite concentrate production at its Empire State Mines in New York, sparking a 26.8% surge in its stock price. This strategic move comes just days after China broadened its export restrictions on critical minerals, underscoring global supply chain vulnerabilities. With an annual output target of 40,000 tonnes, Titan aims to fulfill approximately 50% of the current U.S. natural graphite demand, positioning itself as a key player in reducing dependency on foreign sources.

Graphite’s Critical Role in Modern Technology

International Business and TradePolicy

China Rare Earth Restrictions Threaten U.S. Defense Industry and Trade Relations

China’s new restrictions on rare earth exports for military use threaten critical U.S. defense systems including F-35 jets and submarines. With China controlling over 90% of global rare earth refining, the move gives Beijing significant leverage in trade negotiations.

China’s sweeping restrictions on rare earth exports specifically targeting foreign military applications represent a significant escalation in trade tensions that could severely impact U.S. defense capabilities and potentially reignite a broader trade war between the world’s two largest economies. The October 9 announcement from China’s Ministry of Commerce marks the first time Beijing has explicitly prohibited rare earth exports for defense purposes, creating immediate vulnerabilities for American weapons systems that depend on these critical materials.

How Rare Earth Restrictions Threaten U.S. Defense Systems

International Business and TradePolicy

China Responds to Trump’s 100% Tariff Threat With Firm Stance on Trade Negotiations

China has declared it will not back down from President Donald Trump’s threat of 100% tariffs on Chinese imports. The Commerce Ministry emphasized China’s willingness to negotiate while warning of reciprocal measures if the US proceeds with the tariff increase.

In a significant escalation of trade tensions, China has vowed to stand firm against President Donald Trump’s threat of 100 percent tariffs on Chinese imports, marking the latest development in the ongoing US-China trade war. The Chinese Commerce Ministry issued a statement Sunday emphasizing that while China prefers negotiation over confrontation, it is prepared to respond with equivalent measures if the United States implements the proposed tariff increase scheduled for November 1.

China’s Official Response to Tariff Threats