Trump hints at China tariff row back

President Donald Trump has hinted at easing his aggressive trade stance with China, suggesting a significant reduction in the steep tariffs on Chinese imports amid ongoing market turbulence.

Speaking at a White House press briefing on Tuesday, Trump indicated that the current tariffs, which have soared past 145%, will be scaled back considerably, though not eliminated entirely.

During a Q&A with journalists in the Oval Office, Trump acknowledged, “145% is excessive, and we won’t keep it at that level. It’ll drop substantially, but it won’t be zero.” His comments signal a potential softening of the hardline rhetoric that has defined the escalating trade conflict, characterised by retaliatory tariff hikes between the two nations.

Trump’s remarks followed treasury secretary Scott Bessent’s statements at a JP Morgan Chase investment conference, where he described the trade war as unsustainable and predicted a de-escalation soon. Bessent emphasised a goal of rebalancing trade rather than severing ties with China.

On Tuesday, Trump reiterated his desire for negotiations, promising a cordial approach. “We’ll be very friendly, and I think they will be too,” he said. “They’ll need to make a deal, or they won’t have access to the US market.”

New data from project44 shows blank containership sailings from China have increased by 100% to the US east coast and 31% to the US west coast since new tariffs began in early February.