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U.S. President Donald Trump indicated on Friday that he may reduce tariffs on Chinese imports as Washington and Beijing prepare to resume trade negotiations over the weekend.
“80% tariff on China seems right!” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, suggesting a potential reduction from the current 145%.
He added that the final decision would be “up to Scott B.,” referring to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is set to meet with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Geneva in an effort to ease tensions that have disrupted global financial markets.
Trump did not clarify whether the proposed 80% rate would be a long-term solution or a temporary measure.
In response to the U.S. tariffs, China has imposed duties of up to 125% on American goods.
In a separate all-caps post, Trump wrote: “CHINA SHOULD OPEN UP ITS MARKET TO USA — WOULD BE SO GOOD FOR THEM!!! CLOSED MARKETS DON'T WORK ANYMORE!!!”
Despite the ongoing trade dispute, official Chinese data released on Friday showed that the country’s overall exports rose in April. Analysts said the 8.1% year-on-year increase reflected a shift in trade routes toward Southeast Asia, helping China reduce its exposure to U.S. tariffs. However, exports to the U.S. fell by 17.6% month-on-month.
China has reaffirmed its longstanding position that the United States must lift existing tariffs as a prerequisite for any substantive progress in negotiations. Chinese authorities have also reiterated their commitment to safeguarding national interests should the tariffs remain in place.
Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Bessent said the Geneva talks would focus on “de-escalation,” not a comprehensive trade deal.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Trump said the meetings would be “substantive,” and when asked if a reduction in tariffs was on the table, he responded, “It could be.”
Trump’s social media post came a day after he announced what he called a “historic” trade agreement with the United Kingdom — the first concluded since his administration introduced sweeping global tariffs last month.
He said the deal with Britain would be the first of many and expressed hope that negotiations with the European Union and China would also yield results soon.
Several countries are in discussions with Washington in an effort to avoid the most severe U.S. tariffs, which start at 10% and climb as high as 145% for some Chinese goods.
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