President Donald Trump on Friday suggested he may reduce the United States' sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports from the current 145% to 80%, ahead of high-level trade negotiations between American and Chinese officials scheduled this weekend in Geneva.
"80% Tariff on China seems right! Up to Scott B.," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, appearing to refer to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The comments come as Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer prepare to meet their Chinese counterparts for bilateral talks aimed at reducing tensions between the world's two largest economies.
Trump also posted, "CHINA SHOULD OPEN UP ITS MARKET TO USA-WOULD BE SO GOOD FOR THEM!!! CLOSED MARKETS DON'T WORK ANYMORE!!!" underscoring his long-standing criticism of what he calls Beijing's unfair trade practices.
The 145% tariff currently in place is the combination of two layers: a 125% "reciprocal" rate meant to mirror barriers faced by U.S. companies in China, and a 20% penalty tied to China's alleged role in fueling the U.S. fentanyl crisis. Trump initially imposed a 20% tariff in response to Beijing's handling of the fentanyl issue, then expanded it with an executive order that raised duties across a broad array of goods.
Trump's tariff policy has drawn concern from global markets and U.S. manufacturers alike. Although the White House has indicated a willingness to negotiate, many businesses remain wary of the lack of detail and consistency in U.S. trade announcements. "Right now, you can't get any higher," Trump said Thursday, referring to the tariff ceiling during remarks from the Oval Office.
While discussions continue, the impact of Trump's trade agenda remains mixed. The administration has sought to revise multiple bilateral trade agreements but has yet to secure guarantees of reciprocal market access, even in recent deals such as the tentative U.K. framework announced Thursday.
Trump's tariffs on China are part of a broader global strategy that includes 25% duties on steel, aluminum, and auto imports from a wide range of countries. A 10% general tariff on all imports remains in place.
Despite the duties, China's export activity has remained resilient. According to CNBC analysis, China's exports rose in April, driven in part by increased shipments to Southeast Asian countries-a sign that exporters may be rerouting goods to bypass direct U.S. tariffs.
China has repeatedly criticized Washington's trade posture as coercive, but has also signaled openness to talks. The outcome of this weekend's Geneva meetings will be closely watched by financial markets and U.S. trade stakeholders for any indication that tariff levels could be moderated.
