The White House is reviewing whether to lower tariffs on Chinese imports as part of potential trade negotiations. A source familiar with the discussions said any reduction would be tied to a formal deal with Beijing rather than offered unilaterally.
Reports suggest that current tariffs, raised to 145% earlier this year, could be cut to a range between 50% and 65%. A tiered structure is also being considered, similar to a House proposal that would apply 35% duties to low-risk goods and 100% or more to those deemed strategic.
President Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday that “145% is very high, and it won’t be that high,” adding, “It’ll come down substantially. But it won’t be zero — used to be zero. We were just destroyed. China was taking us for a ride.” He also said, “If they don’t make a deal, we’ll set the deal.”
While formal negotiations have not begun, Trump and administration officials say they are preparing conditions for a potential agreement.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tuesday the trade conflict with China is “not sustainable,” and suggested de-escalation was likely, although talks had yet to begin and would be “a slog.”
U.S. markets responded to the comments, with the S&P 500 climbing more than 2%.
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