After weeks of aggressively escalating tariffs on China, President Donald Trump now appears to be softening his stance. Following his initial hike to a staggering 145% on most Chinese goods—with some products even taxed at 245%—Trump took to Truth Social to suggest that “an 80 percent Tariff on China seems right,” signaling a potential shift toward a more negotiated position.
The announcement comes amid ongoing backlash from China, including retaliatory tariffs and a formal complaint filed with the World Trade Organization. Trump’s comment, “CHINA SHOULD OPEN UP ITS MARKET TO USA — WOULD BE SO GOOD FOR THEM!!!” hints at his broader strategy of using tariffs as leverage to pry open China’s markets rather than permanently walling them off.
Top U.S. officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, are expected to meet with Chinese counterparts this weekend, raising hopes for a more balanced agreement. Trump also stated the final rate would be “brought down substantially,” though he didn’t provide a specific figure.
Despite the earlier hardline rhetoric—launched on what Trump dubbed “Liberation Day”—the White House now says the tariffs are “paused” for most countries while trade negotiations are ongoing. China remains the exception, but Trump’s latest messaging suggests even that might change. Whether this is a tactical pivot or the start of meaningful compromise remains to be seen.
