In a recent press conference, President Donald Trump addressed the escalating trade tensions between the United States and China. He acknowledged that the current U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods, which stand at 145%, are “very high” and stated that they “won’t be that high” moving forward. Trump emphasized that while the tariffs would “come down substantially,” they “won’t be zero,” indicating a willingness to reduce tariffs but not eliminate them entirely .
The President’s remarks come amid ongoing trade disputes, with China imposing 125% tariffs on U.S. goods in retaliation. Trump suggested that tariff reductions could be used as leverage in negotiations, potentially including discussions around companies like TikTok .
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also commented on the situation, describing the current trade war as “unsustainable” and hinting at a possible de-escalation, although formal negotiations have yet to commence .
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed concerns over the economic impact of these tariffs, lowering its global growth forecast for 2025 from 3.3% to 2.8%. The IMF cited the U.S.-China trade tensions as a significant factor contributing to the slowdown .
While President Trump has not confirmed any ongoing discussions with Beijing, his recent statements suggest a potential shift towards more amicable trade relations with China.
