Trump floats cutting China tariffs to 80% ahead of meeting as he looks to deescalate trade war - AP News

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 11:39 am

**Trump Floats Tariff Cuts on China Ahead of Crucial Trade Talks**

President Donald Trump is signaling a potential de-escalation in the ongoing trade war with China, floating the possibility of slashing tariffs on Chinese goods from the current 145% to 80%. This announcement comes just before a critical weekend meeting between top U.S. and Chinese trade officials in Switzerland.

The high-stakes talks in Geneva will involve U.S. officials, including Treasury chief Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, meeting with a high-level Chinese delegation. These discussions represent the most significant dialogue between the two nations since Trump initiated the trade war with hefty tariffs on imports.

Trump, in a social media post, indicated his openness to the tariff reduction, stating "80% Tariff on China seems right!" He also urged China to open its markets to U.S. goods, emphasizing that "CLOSED MARKETS DONT WORK ANYMORE!!!"

The trade war has significantly impacted both economies, with China, the world's largest exporter, bearing the brunt of the tariffs. The U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods have reached 145%, while China's tariffs on U.S. goods stand at 125%. The escalating tariffs have raised concerns about their impact on consumer prices and the supply of goods in the U.S.

While Trump has previously maintained a hardline stance, he hinted at flexibility during an Oval Office appearance, suggesting a willingness to lower tariffs if the weekend talks prove fruitful. However, the move raises questions about how Trump will balance his desire for tariff revenue to offset tax cuts with his goal of increasing market access for U.S. goods, which may necessitate lower tariffs. His administration also faces the challenge of reconciling his trade policies with his broader foreign policy objectives.

Keywords: Trump, China, tariffs, trade war, trade talks, Geneva, Scott Bessent, Jamieson Greer, import tariffs, export tariffs, U.S. China trade, market access, tariff reduction, trade negotiations, economic impact

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