TikTok Talks: Trump Hints at Tariff Relief for China
Trump Suggests China Could Get Tariff Relief if TikTok Deal is Approved
President Donald Trump has suggested that China may receive tariff relief if it approves the sale of TikTok. He indicated that a potential deal involving the video-sharing platform could lead to adjustments in U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Thursday, Trump cited TikTok as an example of how tariffs can be leveraged in negotiations with other countries.
"With TikTok, you have a situation where China might say, 'We will approve the deal, but something has to be done about tariffs,’” Trump stated. He further added, "We can use tariffs to get something in return."
TikTok Faces April 5 Deadline
TikTok has until April 5 to secure a deal transferring ownership to a non-Chinese entity, or else it risks being banned in the United States. Trump claimed that his administration is "very close" to finalizing a TikTok deal, which involves several major investors.
Notably, on the same day that Trump made these remarks, he announced a 10% baseline tariff on all U.S. imports and proposed higher tariffs on major trading partners. Currently, Chinese goods face a 54% tariff.
TikTok has yet to issue a statement on the matter.
