Trump has now issued an 80 percent tariff on China. Credit: Anna Moneymaker / Getty
Donald Trump has unexpectedly reversed course just weeks after ramping up the U.S.-China trade war with 145% tariffs on Chinese imports.
In early April, President Trump declared April 2 “Liberation Day,” marking the start of aggressive trade actions against America’s largest deficit partners, with China bearing the brunt.
Tariffs on Chinese goods began at 20%, escalating to 34%, then 104%, and eventually 145%, with some products facing taxes as high as 245%. The White House claimed the tariffs were meant to “level the playing field” and protect U.S. interests.
China retaliated with a 125% tariff on American goods and a ban on Boeing aircraft purchases. The Chinese government also filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization.
However, just weeks after intensifying the tariff war, the 78-year-old president seems to be reconsidering his stance.
On May 9, Trump posted on Truth Social, suggesting an 80% tariff on China, while also urging China to open its markets to the U.S., calling closed markets outdated.
The shift in his stance raises questions about the administration’s next steps, especially with U.S. officials preparing to meet a high-level Chinese delegation this weekend.
Both Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are expected to attend the talks, according to CNN.
At a recent event honoring former SEC Chair Paul Atkins, President Trump reassured attendees that his administration is still open to working with Beijing: “We’re doing fine with China.
We’re going to live together very happily and ideally work together,” as reported by The Guardian.
Trump also hinted that the final tariff rate would be lower, saying, “It won’t be that high, not going to be that high.”
This shift contrasts with earlier statements where Trump accused China of exploiting the U.S. for decades, writing online, “NOBODY is getting ‘off the hook’ for the unfair Trade Balances… especially not China.”
Despite the softened tone, the administration’s trade policies remain firm.
The White House has paused tariff increases for most countries amid ongoing talks, but China remains an exception.
Meanwhile, President Xi Jinping is reshaping China’s trade narrative.
On a diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia, he urged nations like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia to resist “unilateral bullying” and protect global trade norms, as reported by BBC News. Analysts believe this is a direct challenge to the U.S.
Former U.S. trade negotiator Stephen Olson described Xi’s strategy as “shrewd,” noting that Xi is positioning China as a defender of rules-based trade, contrasting it with Trump’s approach.
In response, Trump dismissed Xi’s efforts, sarcastically remarking: “That’s a lovely meeting. Meeting like, trying to figure out, how do we screw the United States of America?”
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hinted at more changes ahead, including the possibility of a “semiconductor tariff,” and suggested that exemptions for certain electronics, like smartphones and computers, may not last long.
Despite the softened tone, the administration’s trade policies remain firm.
Meanwhile, President Xi Jinping is reshaping China’s trade narrative.
Former U.S. trade negotiator Stephen Olson described Xi’s strategy as “shrewd,” noting that Xi is positioning China as a defender of rules-based trade, contrasting it with Trump’s approach.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hinted at more changes ahead, including the possibility of a “semiconductor tariff,” and suggested that exemptions for certain electronics, like smartphones and computers, may not last long.
