Trump Signals Lower China Tariffs Ahead of Trade Talks

President Donald Trump indicated that lowering the steep tariffs on Chinese imports, currently at 145 percent, might be necessary as U.S. and Chinese officials prepare for trade discussions in Switzerland. Trump suggested an 80 percent tariff level could be appropriate, leaving final decisions to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and trade negotiator Jamieson Greer. These tariffs have significantly disrupted trade between the world's two largest economies, with China retaliating with 125 percent levies on U.S. goods, leading to a sharp slowdown in bilateral trade. Experts view the scheduled talks as a positive development despite ongoing tensions, with some emphasizing that dialogue itself is crucial. Meanwhile, former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad criticized Trump's tariff policies, predicting they would harm America and force a policy rethink within months, calling Trump’s approach irrational and outdated. These perspectives highlight both the complexity of the trade conflict and the international implications of U.S. tariff strategies.