US President Donald Trump on Friday defended his proposed 100 per cent tariff on Chinese goods, calling it a temporary but necessary step to pressure Beijing ahead of his forthcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Speaking to Fox Business Network, Trump said, “It’s not sustainable, but that’s what the number is. They forced me to do that,” adding that he remained optimistic about the outcome of the talks scheduled in two weeks.

The new tariff plan, announced on October 10, is set to take effect from November 1. In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared, “Given China’s unprecedented stance, the United States will impose a 100 per cent tariff on China, in addition to any tariffs currently in place.” He also indicated plans to tighten export controls on “any and all critical software.”

Trump accused China of “trade hostility” and hinted he might cancel the meeting with Xi if tensions persist. Earlier this year, the tariff war between Washington and Beijing had escalated to record highs of 145 per cent and 125 per cent, respectively. Following recent negotiations, the rates had eased to 30 per cent on US tariffs and 10 per cent on Chinese goods.

US President Donald Trump on Friday defended his proposed 100 per cent tariff on Chinese goods, calling it a temporary but necessary step to pressure Beijing ahead of his forthcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Speaking to Fox Business Network, Trump said, “It’s not sustainable, but that’s what the number is. They forced me to do that,” adding that he remained optimistic about the outcome of the talks scheduled in two weeks.

The new tariff plan, announced on October 10, is set to take effect from November 1. In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared, “Given China’s unprecedented stance, the United States will impose a 100 per cent tariff on China, in addition to any tariffs currently in place.” He also indicated plans to tighten export controls on “any and all critical software.”

Trump accused China of “trade hostility” and hinted he might cancel the meeting with Xi if tensions persist. Earlier this year, the tariff war between Washington and Beijing had escalated to record highs of 145 per cent and 125 per cent, respectively. Following recent negotiations, the rates had eased to 30 per cent on US tariffs and 10 per cent on Chinese goods.