Trump suggests 80% tariffs on Chinese goods

U.S. President Donald Trump signaled support for steep tariffs on Chinese imports, calling 80% levies “right” ahead of high-level trade talks in Geneva aimed at easing escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that an 80% tariff on Chinese imports “seems right,” just as senior officials from both nations prepare for weekend trade negotiations in Switzerland - seen as a possible first step in easing a deepening trade conflict.

"China should open up its market to USA - would be so good for them!!! Closed markets don’t work anymore!!!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He added, “80% tariff on China seems right. Up to Scott B.”

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and chief trade negotiator Jamieson Greer are expected to meet with China’s top economic official, He Lifeng, in Geneva. Trump administration officials view the talks as a possible turning point in the trade war between the world’s two largest economies.

Since returning to office in January, Trump has ramped up tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, building on duties imposed during his first term and those enacted under the Biden administration.

China has responded with countermeasures, including export restrictions on select rare earth materials and tariffs of up to 125% on U.S. products. Additional duties have also been placed on key American exports such as soybeans and liquefied natural gas.

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