Part 3/13:
However, behind the scenes, geopolitical tensions were escalating. On October 9th, China announced new export restrictions on rare earth minerals—vital components used in everything from smartphones to fighter jets. This was a strategic move by Beijing aimed at asserting economic power. The next day, the US responded aggressively: President Trump posted messages on Truth Social threatening a "massive increase in tariffs" on Chinese goods, culminating in a threat to impose a 100% tariff on all Chinese imports above existing tariffs.