Trump Proposes Tariff Cuts for TikTok Deal with China

President Trump signaled Wednesday that he might ease steep tariffs on China if the nation backs a deal to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations to a buyer approved by the United States.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, the former president suggested that Beijing “will have to play a role” in any such transaction. “Maybe I’ll give them a little reduction in tariffs or something to get it done,” he said, indicating a willingness to negotiate.

Under a law enacted before Trump took office, TikTok’s Chinese parent company must divest its U.S. business or face a domestic ban amid bipartisan concerns over national security—a claim the social media app denies. Originally, Congress set a January deadline for the sale, but when no deal materialized, Trump extended enforcement for 75 days to allow more time to secure a buyer.

The new deadline is set for April 5, just days after Trump plans to announce “reciprocal” tariffs—new duties imposed on foreign nations in response to trade barriers against U.S. imports. The president has already imposed a 20 percent tariff on Chinese goods in addition to previous measures from his first term.

“Every point in tariffs is worth more than TikTok,” Trump remarked, adding, “Sounds like something I’d do.” He also hinted that the government might take additional measures to extend the deadline, or even acquire a stake in the app, insisting that any outcome must be “best for our country.”

Chinese officials, meanwhile, insist that any sale or divestiture must adhere to local export laws, a stipulation that could give Beijing significant influence over any deal brokered by the Trump administration.