WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump has acknowledged that the 145 percent tariff imposed on Chinese imports is significantly steep, but assured that the rate will be lowered “substantially” in the near future, although not entirely to zero.
Speaking at a media conference in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump responded to growing concerns over the ongoing trade tensions with China, which have intensified since his return to the White House in January. The President reaffirmed that, regardless of whether a formal agreement is reached with Beijing, the U.S. will proceed with its own trade framework.
“Yes, 145 percent is very high,” Trump said. “It will come down substantially. But it won’t be zero.” The president did not provide a specific timeline for the reduction, but noted that the current rate is unsustainable in the long term.
Trump’s remarks follow recent statements by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who described the tariff standoff with China as “unsustainable” and predicted a forthcoming “de-escalation” in what has become one of the most protracted trade disputes in modern times. Bessent’s comments briefly lifted investor sentiment, with the S&P 500 rising 2.5 percent after his remarks were reported.
Since January, the U.S. has ramped up tariffs on a wide range of Chinese goods, citing unfair trade practices and national security concerns. In retaliation, Beijing imposed duties of up to 125 percent on American products, including key agricultural and industrial exports.
China has consistently pushed back against the measures, characterizing them as unilateral and counterproductive. “Tariff and trade wars have no winners,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said last week. “China does not want to fight these wars, but is not afraid of them.”
Despite the heated rhetoric, Trump signaled a willingness to maintain diplomatic relations with China, expressing hope for a cooperative future. “We’re going to live together very happily and ideally work together,” he said, referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The prolonged dispute has had ripple effects on global markets, manufacturing supply chains, and bilateral negotiations on issues such as climate change and public health. While there have been intermittent dialogues between the two economic giants, formal trade talks remain in limbo.
Economists and industry leaders are closely monitoring developments, particularly any signs of movement toward a negotiated settlement. For now, however, the U.S.; China tariff impasse remains a key point of uncertainty in global trade. -MalayaDailyToday
