Trump May Cut Tariffs to Facilitate TikTok Sale, Says Deal Possible by April 5.
President Donald Trump has hinted at reducing tariffs on China to facilitate the sale of TikTok, the popular short-video app owned by ByteDance. Speaking to reporters, Trump suggested that a deal might be reached soon to address the app's ownership, with the deadline for securing a non-Chinese buyer set for April 5. He added, "With respect to TikTok, and China is going to have to play a role in that, possibly in the form of an approval, maybe, and I think they'll do that." He continued, "Maybe I'll give them a little reduction in tariffs or something to get it done."
Trump's comments come after the Biden administration passed a law in January 2024 that would mandate TikTok’s sale or face a potential ban on national security grounds. In the past, Trump attempted to leverage tariffs to push for a deal, and he now hopes to make progress before the April deadline. A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry responded to Trump’s remarks, saying, "China's opposition to the imposition of additional tariffs has always been consistent and clear."
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Trump also discussed new tariffs, including a 25% import tax on cars and car parts, raising the stakes in the ongoing trade war with China. This came shortly after the US raised tariffs on all imports from China to 20% in February, with China retaliating by increasing tariffs on American agricultural products.
Despite these tensions, TikTok’s user base in the US remains substantial, with approximately 170 million Americans using the app. Trump, who once advocated for a TikTok ban during his presidency, now actively uses the platform, boasting over 15 million followers and billions of views during his election campaign.
Ultimately, the negotiations surrounding TikTok’s ownership are complex, involving multiple stakeholders. While the situation is still evolving, there is potential for both the US and China to find common ground in this unique case. By focusing on a resolution, both sides have an opportunity to move past trade tensions and address national security concerns while allowing for the continued success of a platform used by millions globally.
