U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated the possibility of significantly reducing tariffs on Chinese imports, suggesting a drop to 80% as high-stakes trade talks between the two economic powerhouses are set to resume this weekend.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, Trump wrote, “80% Tariff on China seems right!”—a potential shift from the current cumulative rates, which in some cases reach as high as 245%, with a standard level around 145%.
Trump noted that the final decision would rest with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is scheduled to meet with China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng in Geneva. The meeting is aimed at easing ongoing tensions that have rattled global financial markets.
It remains unclear whether the 80% tariff figure floated by Trump is intended as a permanent rate or a transitional benchmark as negotiations progress.
In another emphatic message posted in all caps, Trump wrote: “CHINA SHOULD OPEN UP ITS MARKET TO USA – WOULD BE SO GOOD FOR THEM!!! CLOSED MARKETS DON’T WORK ANYMORE!!!”
Trump’s remarks came on the heels of announcing a “historic” trade agreement with the United Kingdom—the first such deal since he began imposing sweeping tariffs on global partners last month. He expressed optimism that negotiations with the European Union and China could yield similar breakthroughs.
Multiple countries are currently seeking diplomatic resolutions with Washington to avoid the steepest U.S. tariffs, which range from 10% for many nations to much higher rates imposed on China, which remains Trump’s primary focus in the ongoing trade conflict.
