Former US President Donald Trump has suggested that he might reduce tariffs on China to help facilitate the sale of the popular short-video app TikTok. Trump’s comments, made in a press conference on Wednesday, indicate that he is willing to take steps to smooth over the ongoing discussions surrounding TikTok’s future in the United States.
TikTok, owned by the Chinese tech giant ByteDance, has been under scrutiny from US officials for some time due to national security concerns. In 2024, the Biden administration passed a law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban in the United States. The legislation cited fears that the Chinese government could access sensitive data from American users through the app.
However, Trump, who has maintained a strong stance on US-China relations, indicated that he may be open to easing the pressure on China, especially if it helps bring about a resolution to the TikTok issue. “With respect to TikTok, China will have to be involved in some way, possibly through an approval process, and I believe they’ll cooperate,” Trump stated, suggesting that a deal could be within reach.
In addition, Trump mentioned that he was willing to extend the 5 April deadline for finding a non-Chinese buyer for TikTok. He expressed optimism that by the deadline, at least a preliminary agreement could be in place. “I expect we’ll see at least the outline of a deal by April 5th,” Trump said, signaling that progress is being made.
Trump also hinted that a potential tariff reduction on Chinese goods could be part of the deal. “Maybe I’ll offer a little reduction in tariffs or something to help get it done,” he noted, suggesting that trade negotiations could be linked to the TikTok sale.
The ongoing discussions around TikTok’s future have become a focal point in US-China relations, with both economic and security implications. While Trump’s involvement may shift the dynamics of the negotiations, the outcome remains uncertain as the 5 April deadline approaches.
As the situation continues to evolve, all eyes will remain on how the talks progress and whether a deal that satisfies all parties can be reached. The resolution of this issue could set significant precedents for future tech-related tensions between the US and China.
