Trump Says 80% China Tariff ‘Seems Right,’ Ahead of Talks

Description of Trump Saying 80% China Tariff ‘Seems Right’ (2025):

In May 2025, President Donald Trump stated that an 80% tariff on Chinese imports “seems right”, signaling a possible reduction from the previously imposed 145% rate. His remarks came just days before key U.S.-China trade talks in Switzerland between U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and China’s economic chief He Lifeng.

Trump's comment indicated openness to negotiation, though the White House clarified any tariff change would depend on China making reciprocal trade and policy concessions, including on issues like fentanyl trafficking.

Shortly after the talks, both sides agreed to a 90-day truce, with the U.S. reducing tariffs to 30% and China lowering its own to 10%. While this marked progress in de-escalating trade tensions, analysts cautioned that the underlying economic and geopolitical frictions remained unresolved.

The statement highlighted Trump’s continued push for tough, leverage-based trade tactics, even as markets and global supply chains seek stability.