WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the 145% tariffs on Chinese goods could be reduced soon, signaling a potential thaw in trade tensions.
Speaking at the White House while announcing a new trade agreement with the United Kingdom, Trump confirmed that the United States and China are set for substantial trade talks this weekend in Switzerland. He called the upcoming meeting “friendly” and suggested progress could lead to lower tariffs.
“You can’t get any higher. It’s at 145, so we know it’s coming down,” Trump said when asked if he would consider reducing the levies. “I think they have a lot to gain,” he added, expressing optimism about the talks.
Top officials from both sides will attend the Switzerland meeting, including US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, chief trade negotiator Jamieson Greer, and China’s economic head He Lifeng. The discussions are seen as the first major effort in months to end the ongoing trade war.
Trump also hinted at the possibility of speaking with Chinese President Xi Jinping after the talks. He reiterated his desire for China to open up its economy, pointing out that Beijing maintains a “tremendous trade surplus” with the United States.
Despite past tensions and sharp words between Washington and Beijing, Trump’s latest comments suggest a shift toward cooperation. He concluded confidently, saying, “I think it’s going to be substantive. China wants to do something, and they have to at this point.”