Trump Floats 80% Tariff Cut Ahead of China Weekend Talks/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump proposed reducing tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 80% ahead of key trade negotiations. The move comes amid rising economic pressure and market anxiety over escalating costs. The weekend meeting in Geneva marks a pivotal attempt to ease tensions in the ongoing U.S.–China trade war.
Trump’s China Tariff Shift Quick Looks
- Trump proposes cutting tariffs on China from 145% to 80%.
- Announcement made ahead of weekend trade talks in Geneva.
- U.S. Treasury chief Bessent and Trade Rep. Greer to lead talks.
- Trump says “closed markets don’t work anymore.”
- China has retaliated with tariffs of up to 125%.
- Trump softens earlier stance against lowering tariffs.
- High U.S. tariffs acting as a de facto embargo.
- Trump seeks both tariff revenue and improved market access.
- Analysts question viability of his conflicting trade goals.
- Trade war remains unresolved amid global economic uncertainty.
Trump Floats 80% Tariff Cut Ahead of China Weekend Talks
Deep Look
Trump Proposes Major Tariff Cut Ahead of Pivotal China Trade Talks
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday signaled a significant shift in his trade policy toward China, proposing to slash the steep tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% down to 80%. The announcement comes just before a high-level diplomatic meeting in Geneva, where top U.S. and Chinese trade officials will gather in an effort to deescalate one of the most volatile economic standoffs in recent memory.
“80% Tariff on China seems right! Up to Scott B,” Trump posted early Friday on his social media platform, referring to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is spearheading U.S. trade negotiations. Trump also pushed for increased economic openness from Beijing, exclaiming, “WOULD BE SO GOOD FOR THEM!!! CLOSED MARKETS DON’T WORK ANYMORE!!!”
The Geneva meeting, which includes Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, represents the first direct engagement between senior U.S. and Chinese trade officials since Trump’s dramatic escalation of the trade war with his “Liberation Day” tariffs on April 2. These sweeping levies on Chinese imports were immediately met with retaliatory tariffs by China, now standing at 125%, creating a tit-for-tat economic spiral between the world’s two largest economies.
Trump’s trade policies, while designed to protect domestic industries and generate revenue, have created global uncertainty and drawn criticism from economists and business leaders. The tariffs, currently at 145%, are so high that they effectively function as an embargo on Chinese goods, severely disrupting supply chains and inflating consumer prices in the U.S.
Despite previously insisting he wouldn’t reduce tariffs without major concessions, Trump appeared to pivot during an Oval Office appearance on Thursday. “We’re going to see,” he said, referring to the talks. “Right now, you can’t get any higher. It’s at 145, so we know it’s coming down.”
This softer tone has sparked speculation that Trump is beginning to feel the pressure of mounting domestic economic concerns. Inflation, supply chain issues, and political pushback have intensified the need for a strategic recalibration. Analysts note that the 145% tariff level was politically symbolic but practically unsustainable—especially for American companies reliant on Chinese imports.
According to administration insiders, Trump is aiming to strike a balance between multiple goals: maintaining high tariff revenues to compensate for income tax cuts, while simultaneously negotiating better market access for American exports. However, these objectives often contradict each other—reduced tariffs are essential for trade deals, yet doing so undercuts his fiscal justification for the levies in the first place.
Moreover, Trump’s aggressive stance toward other global trading partners has complicated efforts to build a broad anti-China coalition. Instead of isolating Beijing, his policies have alienated traditional allies, making a united front against China more difficult to achieve.
Meanwhile, markets are watching the Geneva talks closely. Economists warn that failure to deescalate could trigger more supply shortages and cost spikes for American consumers, particularly in electronics, apparel, and industrial goods heavily sourced from China.
While Trump’s tariff rhetoric has always played well with his political base, business groups and international observers are calling for a return to more predictable, rules-based trade policy. Many are cautiously optimistic that the proposed cut signals a willingness to compromise and shift toward more pragmatic economic management.
What remains unclear is how China will respond to the offer. Beijing has so far held firm in its stance, calling for reciprocal tariff reductions and a fair trading environment. Whether the two sides can bridge their differences in Geneva will likely determine the trajectory of U.S.-China relations heading into the second half of 2025.
The outcome of this weekend’s talks could either be the beginning of a thaw in U.S.-China economic tensions or the latest chapter in an ongoing standoff with global ramifications.
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