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In a surprising shift in strategy, former President Donald Trump expressed openness to reducing China tariffs to facilitate TikTok’s forced sale ahead of its impending U.S. ban deadline on April 5. The popular social media platform, which boasts 170 million American users, must secure a U.S. buyer with Beijing’s approval to continue operations.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump indicated his willingness to extend the deadline and suggested potential tariff concessions to secure China’s cooperation. “Maybe I’ll give them a little reduction in tariffs, or something, to get it done,” Trump told reporters. “You know, because every point in tariff is worth more money than TikTok, if you think … In order to get China to do [it], maybe I’d give them a reduction in tariffs as an example. Sounds like something I would do.”
Trump suggests 'little reduction in tariffs' could get China's approval for TikTok sale ahead of deadline.
He also said the deadline, which runs out on April 5, could be extended.
Trump postponed a law passed by the Biden administration ordering the app to be sold by Chinese… pic.twitter.com/CDKK1pIGaD
— Viory Video (@vioryvideo) March 27, 2025
This conciliatory tone contrasts with Trump’s recent aggressive trade stance, including a newly announced 25% tariff on vehicle imports. Despite previously advocating for TikTok’s ban during his first term, Trump now maintains a significant presence on the platform with over 15 million followers, acknowledging its importance to his reelection campaign.
The potential tariff reduction represents a notable departure from Trump’s earlier hardline approach. Earlier this year, he increased tariffs on Chinese imports to 20%, prompting retaliatory measures from Beijing targeting U.S. agriculture and technology sectors. However, Trump now appears willing to leverage trade policy to secure TikTok’s future in the U.S.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would be willing to reduce tariffs on China to get a deal done with TikTok's Chinese parent ByteDance to sell the short video app used by 170 million Americans. pic.twitter.com/232Y97LeVI
— Srbija Evropa (@srbija_eu) March 27, 2025
“We will have a form of a deal,” Trump said. “TikTok is very popular. Very successful. Very good. We’re going to have a form of a deal. But if it’s not finished, it’s not a big deal — we’ll just extend it. I have the right to have the deal and to extend it if I want … we have a lot of interest in TikTok.”
The deal’s progression hinges on Beijing’s approval, with ByteDance awaiting authorization to proceed. According to Reuters, China’s commerce ministry expressed willingness to cooperate with Washington based on mutual respect and benefit during a Thursday press conference.
The negotiations continue following Trump’s previous 75-day extension of the TikTok law enforcement through an Inauguration Day executive order.
