Trump admin mulls curbs on U.S. software-powered exports to China

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The Trump administration is considering new restrictions on exports to China involving products made with U.S. software, escalating the ongoing technology and trade standoff between Washington and Beijing, according to a _Reuters_ report that cites a U.S. official and three people briefed by U.S. authorities.

This move comes as retaliation for China's recent steps to restrict exports of rare earth minerals, which are crucial to global tech manufacturing.

“Everything imaginable is made with US software," one of the sources said. However, there is no guarantee the measures will be enacted, the report [https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-considering-curbs-exports-china-made-with-us-software-sources-say-2025-10-22/] quoted sources.

"I will confirm that everything is on the table," U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters at the White House on Wednesday when asked about software curbs on China. "If these export controls - whether it's software, engines or other things - happen, it will likely be in coordination with our G7 allies."

“… Right now, as of November 1st, China will have about 155% tariffs put on it. I don’t think it’s sustainable for them. I want to be nice to China. But China has been very rough with us over the years because we had presidents that weren’t smart from a business standpoint… They allowed China and every other country to take advantage of us," Trump said at the White House.

Trump had earlier stated on October 10 that he would implement new export restrictions on "any and all critical software" by November 1. He had also accused China of considering "large scale Export Controls on virtually every product" it makes and on some foreign-made items, which he said would affect all countries. Any such move would constitute "a moral disgrace," he added.

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