Trump Says 80% Tariff on China 'Seems Right' Ahead of Key Trade Talks

US President Donald Trump suggested on Friday lowering tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 80% ahead of a weekend meeting of senior US and Chinese trade officials.

Top US officials are scheduled to meet with a high-level Chinese delegation in Switzerland for the first major trade talks between the two countries since the trade war began.

"An 80 percent tariff on China seems reasonable! "Up to Scott B," Trump wrote on his social media account Friday morning, referring to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who has been leading trade talks. 

Trump also urged China to open its market to American products, writing, "WOULD BE SO GOOD FOR THEM!!! "CLOSED MARKETS DO NOT WORK ANYMORE!!!"

Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are scheduled to meet with Chinese counterparts in Geneva. The talks come as US markets are concerned about the impact of tariffs on consumer goods prices and supply.

Since Trump announced the "Liberation Day" tariffs on April 2, China has responded with its own tariffs. US tariffs on Chinese goods have since risen to 145%, while China has imposed a 125% tariff on US imports.

Trump had previously stated that he would not lower tariffs without substantial negotiations, but during an Oval Office appearance on Thursday, he hinted at a potential shift. "We're going to see," Trump said. "Right now, you can't go any higher. It's at 145 now, so we know it's going down."

The administration has acknowledged that the 145% rate is unsustainable, with officials stating that tariffs at that level act as a near-total trade barrier.

Trump has also stated that he wants tariff revenues to help fund income tax cuts, as well as increased market access for US goods. His administration has also tried to economically isolate China, though tariffs on other countries have hampered alliance-building efforts.