US President Donald Trump has indicated he may reduce tariffs on China to facilitate the sale of TikTok, the popular short-video platform owned by ByteDance.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump also suggested he might extend the April 5 deadline for securing a non-Chinese buyer for the app.

“With regard to TikTok, China will likely need to be involved in some capacity, perhaps through an approval process. I believe they will cooperate,” he said. “Maybe I’ll offer a slight reduction in tariffs to finalize the deal,” he added.

The sale of TikTok has been a contentious issue, with US lawmakers citing national security concerns. A law passed in 2024 under the Biden administration mandated TikTok be either sold or banned in the US. Trump had previously postponed its enforcement in January.

Trump’s remarks came shortly after he announced 25% tariffs on all imported cars and auto parts—an escalation in global trade tensions.

Using tariffs as leverage in negotiations with China is not new. On his first day back in office on January 20, Trump warned of additional trade restrictions if Beijing refused to approve a TikTok sale.

TikTok, with approximately 170 million US users, remains at the center of geopolitical tensions. While Trump previously advocated for a ban, he has since joined the platform, amassing over 15 million followers and boasting billions of views during his election campaign.

The US has recently doubled tariffs on Chinese imports to 20%, prompting Beijing to retaliate with its own levies, including a 10-15% tax on US agricultural goods. Additionally, China has imposed export controls on several US aviation, defense, and technology firms.

China has urged Washington to resume negotiations, emphasizing the need for renewed dialogue to ease trade tensions.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1219 HRS, MAR 27, 2025
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