The White House is considering 145% tariffs on Chinese imports, or even half, in some cases, if they are more than half.
President Trump’s massive tariffs on China – could raise the price of US goods and hinder the company’s revenue, but could be reduced from 50%, a senior White House official to 65% He told the Wall Street Journal.
His administration is also considering a layered approach, such as proposed by the China House Committee last year, lowering the rate of at least 100% on critical imports and a 35% tax on items that do not pose national security risks, sources told the Journal.
The White House is currently not unilaterally trying to cut China’s tariffs, a White House official told the position. Such a move would have to be made through negotiations with Beijing, they added.
The president has not issued a final decision yet, and several options remain on the table, sources said.
“President Trump was clear. China needs to have a contract with the United States. It will come directly from the president once a tariff decision is made.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent repeatedly told reporters during discussions at the roundtable in Washington, saying neither the US nor China believes current tariffs are at “sustainable levels.”
“As I said yesterday, this amounts to an embargo and no one’s interest in the trade break between the two countries,” Bescent said.
At the end of Tuesday, Trump suggested that Americans could soon see lower taxes on Chinese imports.
China’s 145% rate is “very high, not that high… No, it’s not that high. It’s going to drop significantly,” Trump said.
Investors welcomed the news, sending stocks at a rally that continues through Wednesday, recognizing losses from the beginning of this week.
Analysts warn that there is a sudden collection of Beijing’s prices to boost toys, clothing and other items made in China, potentially overturning complex supply chains in several industries.
On Wednesday, China responded by showing openness to negotiations, but warned that it would continue to fight in the event of tensions in relations.
“China’s attitude towards the tariff war launched by the US is very clear. We don’t want to fight, but we’re not afraid of it. If we fight, we’ll fight until the end.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent on Tuesday also said he expects tensions between the US and China to be eliminated, but spokesman Caroline Lewitt argued that there are “18 paper proposals” for dealings with foreign countries.
Trump has hit many countries with a 90-day 10% placeholder tax, leaving him time for more stringent tax rate negotiations.
James Franny contributed to the report from Washington.
