US President Donald Trump said on Thursday, 8 May 2025, that he expects the US 145% tariffs on China to be reduced if trade negotiations between the two nations this weekend goes well.

The Trump administration stated that the US has been working on trade deals with various countries after Trump paused the “reciprocal” tariffs for most nations for 90 days, except for tariffs imposed on China.

“You can’t get any higher. It’s at 145, so we know it’s coming down. I think it’s a very friendly meeting. They look forward to doing it in an elegant way,” Trump said. 

Trump said he believes China wants a deal and stressed his desire for the country to open its economy.

“I think we’re going to have a good weekend with China. I think they have a lot to gain. I do think they have far more to gain than we do, in a sense,” Trump added. 

The Trump Administration imposed two rounds of 10% tariffs on all Chinese imports and a 10% baseline tariff on imports from all countries on April 2, 2025. Trump also introduced reciprocal tariffs on imports from countries with large US trade deficits, including China, but postponed them for 90 days—except for China—before announcing plans for 145% tariffs on Chinese goods.

In retaliation, China raised tariffs on US imports to 125% this month.

However, to ease the effects of its trade war with Washington, China has granted tariff exemptions on products like pharmaceuticals, microchips, and aircraft components. Authorities also urged companies to identify key goods exempt from tariffs.

China recently removed tariffs on US ethane imports, easing pressure on Chinese companies that depend on it for petrochemical production.