Washington, D.C. – In a surprising shift in tone, President Donald Trump announced on April 24, 2025, that the United States would not pursue an aggressive approach in its trade relations with China. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump declared that the U.S. would not play “hard ball” with China and suggested that tariffs on Chinese imports, currently at 145 percent, would be significantly reduced.
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“They won’t be anywhere near 145 percent,” Trump told reporters, emphasizing that the tariffs would be lowered “substantially.” The president expressed optimism about reaching a trade agreement with China, stating, “I think we’re going to make a deal with China. We’re working on it, and it’s going to be a great deal for America.”
The remarks mark a departure from Trump’s earlier rhetoric, which often leaned heavily on high tariffs to pressure China into trade concessions. The current 145 percent tariff rate, imposed on a range of Chinese goods, has been a point of contention, contributing to higher consumer prices and strained U.S.-China relations. Economists have warned that sustained high tariffs could exacerbate inflation and disrupt global supply chains, while some U.S. businesses have lobbied for relief.
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Trump’s comments come amid ongoing trade negotiations with Beijing, which have been described as complex but progressing. The president did not provide a specific timeline for when tariff reductions might take effect or detail the scope of a potential deal. However, his remarks suggest a willingness to de-escalate tensions with the world’s second-largest economy.
The announcement drew mixed reactions. Some business leaders welcomed the prospect of lower tariffs, which could ease costs for manufacturers and consumers. “This is a step in the right direction,” said Sarah Thompson, CEO of a major U.S. retail chain. “High tariffs have hurt our bottom line, and a deal with China could stabilize prices.”
Critics, however, expressed skepticism about the lack of concrete details. “We’ve heard promises of ‘great deals’ before,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). “The administration needs to be transparent about what this means for American workers and whether it will address China’s unfair trade practices.”
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Global markets reacted cautiously, with U.S. stock futures showing modest gains while Asian markets remained flat. Analysts suggest that any deal with China could have far-reaching implications for global trade dynamics, particularly as the U.S. seeks to maintain its economic edge.
As negotiations continue, the world watches closely to see whether Trump’s softer stance will lead to a breakthrough or if it’s merely a tactical pause in the ongoing U.S.-China trade saga.
