Many Chinese metal importers have stopped buying U.S. copper scrap in anticipation of tariffs as Donald Trump takes over the presidency, according to Beijing Antaike Information Development Co.

The purchases have been halted since mid-November because the shipments are likely to arrive around the time Trump takes office on Jan. 20, the government researcher said in a note, citing a survey of traders.

The president-elect has threatened to impose 60% tariffs on all Chinese imports, which is likely to prompt a response from Beijing. The world's two largest economies engaged in a trade war during Trump's first term, when China imposed 25% tariffs on US copper scrap. Tensions rose on Monday when Washington imposed new restrictions on China's access to components for chips and artificial intelligence.