China has begun using rare earth metals as a means of pressure in its trade war with the United States, Bloomberg reports.
The agency reports that China imposed retaliatory duties of 34% on imports of all American goods.
In addition, Beijing has strengthened the export control regime on seven Chinese rare earth elements, which are key components in the production of electronics and military equipment.
China is said to intend to halt shipments of these metals if the US continues its aggressive trade policy.
US President Donald Trump said earlier that he was ready to make a deal with Beijing only after eliminating the trade deficit.
