Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt informed reporters that President Donald Trump is under the impression that China is inclined to negotiate a deal with the United States, although the Asian nation seems unsure about how to initiate the process.
The Trump administration has announced increased tariffs on China due to the latter’s failure to meet a deadline set by the president for lifting retaliatory tariffs. The additional 104% tariff on Chinese imports is expected to take effect on April 9. Leavitt reiterated during a press briefing that President Trump believes China is eager to strike a deal.
President Trump expressed confidence that Chinese President Xi Jinping understands his position regarding tariffs. He has warned that because China retaliated, it necessitated stronger countermeasures. Trump announced that the increased tariffs would be implemented by midnight and noted that he would be receptive should President Xi Jinping choose to negotiate a deal.
China had already been projected to face increased tariffs under Trump’s reciprocal tariffs plan, and the additional 104% seems to be a consequence of their failure to negotiate an agreement with the U.S. Earlier, Trump had announced a list of tariffs and referred to the day as “Liberation Day,” drawing varied reactions worldwide. Some countries expressed interest in negotiating better terms with the U.S., while China opted to retaliate.
In response, China imposed a 34% tariff on U.S. imports, committed to opposing what they termed as “blackmailing” through tariff threats, according to Reuters. The Trump administration accused China of employing non-market policies that have led to dominating positions in critical manufacturing industries at the expense of U.S. industry. Meanwhile, reports suggest that Chinese manufacturers are concerned about possible profit declines and are considering relocating production facilities overseas, based on information from Reuters.