Former US President Donald Trump signaled a potential breakthrough in the protracted US-China trade standoff, saying he expects “substantive” negotiations this weekend and hinted that the punitive 145% tariffs on Chinese goods may be reduced.
Speaking at the White House while unveiling a separate US-UK trade agreement, Trump struck a notably softer tone on China, after months of sharp rhetoric and a deepening economic rift.
“You can’t get any higher. It’s at 145, so we know it’s coming down,” Trump said when asked if he would lower tariffs if talks progress.
He emphasized that China has more to gain from a deal and expressed optimism ahead of the upcoming dialogue between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, chief negotiator Jamieson Greer, and China’s top economic official He Lifeng in Switzerland.
The president, who has often taken a hard line on trade and blamed China for the COVID-19 pandemic, noted:
“I think we’re going to have a good weekend with China… I think they have a lot to gain.”
Trump also suggested a possible follow-up call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, stating, “I might, yeah, sure.”
While he paused tariffs for most nations to ease global trade tensions, China remained an exception—a point of friction that has impacted global supply chains and markets.
“I would like to see China open,” Trump said, underscoring his desire for market reforms and reduced trade imbalances.
The meeting in Switzerland marks a tentative step toward resolving a dispute that has weighed heavily on the global economy. Trump’s remarks suggest a willingness to de-escalate if real progress is made.
