- Trump Hints at Cutting 145% China Tariff to 80%.
- Trump Posts “80% Tariff Seems Right” Ahead of Trade Talks.
- Tariff Cut on Table as U.S.-China Talks Set for Geneva.
President Donald Trump has indicated a readiness to significantly cut the existing 145% U.S. tariff level on China before crucial trade negotiations between the nations, reports NBC News.
Truth Social Post Mentions 80% Tariff
In a Truth Social post on Friday morning, Trump wrote: “80% Tariff on China seems right! Up to Scott B.” The message appears to refer to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Trade Talks Scheduled for Geneva
The post occurs one day before Treasury Secretary Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are due to sit down with their Chinese counterparts in Geneva for trade talks.
Trump Hints at Flexibility on Tariff Rate
Talking from the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump provided a hint about a possible adjustment in the tariff position: “ I mean, we’re going to see. Right now, you can’t get any higher,” he said.
An 80% across-the-board tariff would nonetheless be well above the tariff rates that existed prior to Trump’s first entering office. At first, he added a 20% tariff due to China’s failure to stop fentanyl shipments, as accused by the administration. A few weeks later, he signed an executive order raising tariffs by a further 125%.
No Direct Response from Chinese Authorities
A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in the U.S. was not immediately available to comment.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: NBC News
