US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised China’s suspension of American soybean imports, calling it an “economically hostile act” and warning that Washington could retaliate by halting imports of Chinese cooking oil and other goods.

“We are considering terminating business with China having to do with Cooking Oil, and other elements of Trade, as retribution,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday.

The comments came just hours after Trump appeared to take a softer tone, telling reporters at the White House that relations with Beijing were “fair” and could remain stable. “We have a fair relationship with China, and I think it’ll be fine. And if it’s not, that’s okay too,” he said.

Trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies have flared again during Trump’s second term, with tariff levels on both sides reaching triple digits at certain points.

The renewed strains follow Beijing’s recent imposition of sweeping export controls on rare earth materials — a move the US has condemned as an attempt to destabilise global supply chains.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in an interview with the Financial Times on Monday, accused China of acting “to harm the global economy.” Trump, however, insisted he still maintains a personal rapport with Chinese President Xi Jinping, adding that while the relationship can be “testy,” the US must remain vigilant.

On Truth Social, Trump said China’s halt in soybean purchases was already hurting American farmers. Government data show US imports of animal fats, greases, and processed oils, including used cooking oil, have surged in recent years, driven by the expansion of biomass-based diesel production.

While tensions had eased following months of negotiations, recent developments have tested the fragile truce. After Beijing’s rare earth export restrictions, Trump said he would impose an additional 100-percent tariff on Chinese goods starting 1 November.