Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to soften the steep 145% tariffs recently imposed on Chinese imports, stating he won’t “play hardball” with Beijing as both countries seek to de-escalate their ongoing trade war.
“One hundred 45 per cent is high, it won’t be that high. It won’t be zero,” Trump said during a media briefing in the Oval Office. “I’m not going to play hard ball with China, with Xi. I’m going to be very nice and they’re going to be very nice but ultimately they have to make a deal.”
The comments come amid rising pressure on the White House to resolve the economic standoff that has seen both countries impose sweeping tariffs on each other’s goods. Trump’s remarks follow an earlier statement by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt that the administration is “setting the stage” for a new agreement.
“We’re doing very well with respect to a potential trade deal with China,” Leavitt said. “Everyone involved wants to see a trade deal happen and the ball is moving in the right direction.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also weighed in, predicting a de-escalation of the tariff dispute. At a closed-door JPMorgan Chase event, Bessent reportedly described the situation as an unsustainable “reciprocal trade embargo”.
“I do say China is going to be a slog in terms of the negotiations,” he said, according to an attendee. “Neither side thinks the status quo is sustainable.”
The tit-for-tat measures began after the US cited China’s alleged role in fentanyl supply chains and broader concerns over unfair trade practices. In response, Beijing implemented counter tariffs of 125% on US imports and is now encouraging regional allies to resist protectionism and deepen intra-Asia trade.
Markets responded positively to the latest developments, with Wall Street indices rebounding after reports of Bessent’s remarks during the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Spring Meetings.