Trump Softens Tone on China: “Tariffs Won’t Be as High as 145%”
Amid strained US-China trade ties, Trump signals willingness to strike a deal, insists China has “no choice” but to cooperate.
Washington, D.C.:
In what appears to be a significant shift in tone, former US President Donald Trump on Tuesday hinted at easing his tough trade stance on China, stating that tariffs on Chinese goods won’t reach the previously threatened 145%. He promised a more conciliatory approach, saying he intends to be “very nice” in any upcoming trade talks with Beijing.
“We’re going to be very nice and they’re going to be very nice, and we’ll see what happens,” Trump said while speaking to reporters in Washington.
Trump, who ramped up tariffs on Chinese imports during his administration to 145% amid retaliatory actions from Beijing, now appears to be laying the groundwork for renewed dialogue. He emphasized that China has no option but to engage with the US economically.
“Ultimately they have to make a deal because otherwise, they’re not going to be able to deal in the US,” he warned, stressing that his administration would dictate the terms if necessary.
Despite previously adopting a “hardball” stance, the former President took a noticeably lighter tone regarding Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“I’m gonna play hardball with you, President Xi. No, no. We’re gonna be very nice,” he remarked sarcastically, adding, “We want China involved, but they and other countries need to make a deal.”
He also clarified that while the tariff rates might remain, they will be “substantially lower” than the peak 145% rate imposed during his tenure.
“145 percent is very high and it won’t be that high. No, it won’t be anywhere near that high. It’ll come down substantially, but it won’t be zero. It used to be zero — we were just destroyed,” Trump noted.
Trump also praised his personal rapport with President Xi, claiming their relationship had always been positive.
“My relationship with President Xi is great. It was — it’s been great for a long time. I think we’ll make a deal with China. If not, we’ll set it,” he asserted.
