Trump indicates he would lower China tariffs from 145%

WASHINGTON

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that Chinese tariffs will come down from 145%.

"Well, it could be, we're going to see," Trump told reporters at the White House when asked if he is considering lowering the tariff rate on China.

"Right now, you can’t get any higher. It's at 145, so we know it's coming down," he added.

Trump noted that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will visit Switzerland to negotiate with China this weekend. "And you know, they very much want to make a deal," he added.

"I think we're gonna have a very good relationship … I think it's a very friendly meeting. They look forward to doing it in an elegant way," he said.

Asked if he would speak to Chinese President Xi Jinping after the talks, Trump said: "I might, yeah, sure.”

China had a "tremendous trade surplus" with the US, said Trump. "I would like to see China open.”

Trump said Wednesday he would not consider lowering tariffs on China.

"No," he said when asked if he was open to pulling back on the steep import duties to get China to the negotiating table.