Trump Says ‘Ball in China’s Court’ as Boeing Deal Sours and Tariffs Mount

The White House has made it clear: Donald Trump believes it’s China’s move next in the ongoing trade standoff. The U.S. president has accused Beijing of backing out of a significant Boeing aircraft deal and is calling for China to come back to the negotiating table.

“The ball is in China’s court. China needs to make a deal with us. We don’t have to make a deal with them,” said Trump in a statement read by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

This sharp rhetoric follows reports that Beijing directed its airlines to halt new Boeing jet deliveries—an apparent snub that reignites trade tensions between the two countries.

Boeing Deal Breakdown Sparks Tough Talk

The alleged cancellation of the Boeing deal comes amid Trump’s latest tariff blitz. Since his return to office, the administration has hit China with new levies—stacking up to a 145% total tariff on many imports. Trump has also ended the “de minimis” exemption, a rule that previously allowed low-cost goods under $800 to enter duty-free—a move seen as targeting fast-growing online Chinese retailers like Shein and Temu.

China’s Economy Holds for Now

Despite the trade war, China’s economy beat expectations with 5.4% growth in Q1 of 2025. But officials in Beijing admit the U.S. tariffs are starting to weigh heavily on exports and foreign trade.

“The U.S. tariffs will put certain pressures on our country’s foreign trade and economy,” said Sheng Laiyun, spokesperson for China’s National Bureau of Statistics.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s postal service has suspended shipments to the U.S., calling Trump’s measures “bullying.”

Global Response: Allies Tread Carefully

Other major exporters have also weighed in. Japan’s envoy expressed optimism for a “win-win” outcome during his visit to Washington, while South Korea’s finance minister emphasized the need to delay reciprocal tariffs.

European Union leaders, Canada, and other global trading partners are closely watching the situation—some offering incentives to protect local industries from a potential manufacturing exodus to the U.S.

Trump Calls Out Biden, Vows to Protect Farmers

Trump also took aim at his predecessor, Joe Biden, saying China had “zero respect” for the previous administration and never fulfilled its original trade promises.

He pledged to stand by U.S. farmers, who are often first to feel the pressure in trade disputes.

“Farmers are always put on the front line with our adversaries,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Tech and Rare Metals Now in Crosshairs

The ripple effects are being felt across the tech sector too. Nvidia has warned of a $5.5 billion hit after new licensing restrictions on chip sales to China. On Tuesday, Trump launched a new probe into tariffs on rare-earth elements—critical components in smartphones and electronics—highlighting China’s grip on these vital global supply chains.

As the standoff continues, one thing is clear: Trump is playing hardball, and he expects China to blink first. Whether Beijing chooses to return to the table or double down on its retaliatory measures could shape the future of global trade in 2025 and beyond.

{Source: IOL}

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