Trump suggests China tariffs will ‘come down substantially’
President Donald Trump suggested the China tariffs will “come down substantially.”
WASHINGTON ― President Donald Trump says his administration expects to reach a “fair deal” with China on trade as he floats substantially reducing the tariffs he imposed on Chinese imports.
“We are going to have a fair deal with China. It’s going to be fair,” Trump told reporters at the White House on April 23, adding: “Everything’s active” when asked whether he’s actively talking to Chinese leaders.
Trump’s remarks came as he’s started to soften his tone with China regarding tariffs, which have rattled the global markets and stoked anxieties about the economy. The president told reporters on April 22 he’s not seeking to play “hardball” with Beijing and that the 145% tariffs he’s levied on China will eventually “come down substantially.”
The White House is considering slashing the steep tariffs on China during trade negotiations, the Wall Street Journal reported earlier on April 23, citing one unnamed senior White House official saying the rate could be reduced by 50% to 65%.
“Everyone’s going to be happy, but we’re no longer going to be the country that’s ripped off by every country in the world,” Trump said, referring to trade negotiations that involve about 100 countries in addition to China.
The U.S. stock market surged Wednesday on assurances from Trump that he has no intention to fire Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell and as his administration has signaled hopes to de-escalate tensions with China. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tuesday a trade standoff between the U.S. and China is not sustainable.
Trump latest comments on the U.S.-China trade war came during a surprise visit to the White House North Lawn, where he said he was scouting a location for a new nearly 100-foot flag pole to display the American flag. He said he plans to put a second flag pole in the White House’s South Lawn.
Trump’s multiple rounds of tariffs imposed this month on Chinese imports add up to a rate of 145%, prompting China to hit back with retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports totaling 125%.
The Trump administration exempted smartphones, computers, semiconductors and other electronics from 125% “reciprocal” tariffs ‒ leaving only its blanket 20% tariff on Chinese goods imposed in response to China being a source of fentanyl ‒ but they have said the move is only temporary.
The White House has said more than 100 countries have reached out to the U.S. to initiate trade talks after Trump announced sweeping universal tariffs earlier this month and 18 have formally submitted proposals.
Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.