Trump Hints at Scaling Back China Tariffs Amid Trade Tensions

Trump Suggests Possible Reduction of China Tariffs Amid Trade Talk

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: April 23, 2025

Summary: President Trump suggests a major cut in U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods but confirms they won’t be removed completely.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that his administration is planning a significant reduction in tariffs imposed on imports from China, currently set at 145%. However, he made it clear that while the rates would come down, the tariffs would not be lifted entirely. “We’re doing fine with China,” Trump stated, pointing to a more stable trade relationship going forward.

This comes after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently emphasised how unsustainable the current tariff structure is and alluded to the potential for reducing limitations. His remarks raised hopes for a possible improvement in the tense economic relations between Beijing and Washington.

The high tariffs were part of a broader strategy that led to tit-for-tat measures, with China retaliating by slapping 125% duties on American goods. These actions have stirred financial markets, pushed up interest rates, and raised concerns about rising prices and slowed economic growth.

Trump, while acknowledging the market’s favorable reaction to the news of tariff easing, stopped short of fully endorsing Bessent’s concerns. Rather, he expressed hope for further collaboration with China in a tone of cautious optimism. "Hopefully, we'll collaborate, and we'll get along just fine," he continued.

The proposed tariff cut appears to be a step toward reducing friction between the two global powers, aiming to stabilize economic conditions and ease pressure on both nations’ economies.