Trump Hints at Possible Easing of Tariffs Amid US-China Trade Tensions
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signaled a potential softening in the ongoing trade dispute with China, suggesting that further tariff increases might be put on hold. The statement offered a glimmer of hope for jittery global markets and raised questions about the future of the TikTok deal.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump emphasized the importance of maintaining consumer spending power.
“I don’t want tariffs so high that people stop buying,” he said. “At some point, if prices go up too much, consumers won’t purchase. So, I might choose to keep tariffs where they are or even lower them.”
Trump’s comments follow recent tariff hikes that have rattled investors and disrupted trade flows. Earlier this month, he implemented a 10% duty on a broad array of imports, though he held off on additional increases as discussions with trade partners progressed.
In response to Chinese countermeasures, U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods have soared to 145%. While Beijing has refrained from matching each U.S. move in kind, the situation remains tense. Despite ongoing contact, officials say high-level, in-depth talks between Washington and Beijing are currently lacking.
When asked about the nature of recent communications with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump declined to provide specifics.
On the subject of TikTok, the president suggested the outcome is closely tied to broader trade negotiations. Although a deal exists for the U.S. operations of TikTok—currently owned by China-based ByteDance—Trump indicated it won’t move forward until trade matters are resolved.
“There is a deal for TikTok,” Trump confirmed. “But we’re holding off until we see how things play out with China.”
