The White House announced on Friday that U.S. President Donald Trump remains optimistic about the possibility of a trade agreement with China.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made the statement amid ongoing trade tensions between the two global economic powers, which have significantly impacted global markets.
“The president has made it very clear he’s open to a deal with China,” Leavitt told reporters during a press briefing.
“If China continues to retaliate, it is not good for China,” she added.
“Taking on China, in terms of trade and tariffs, is something that both Democrats and Republicans alike have spoken about for decades. President Trump is finally doing it.”
Earlier this month, the Trump administration intensified the trade conflict by raising tariffs on Chinese imports, including a 125% tariff on Chinese goods. The decision was justified by what Trump described as China’s “lack of respect” in trade relations.
In addition to the general tariff hike, a specific 20% “fentanyl tariff” was introduced, pushing total tariffs on certain Chinese products to as high as 145%.
In response, China announced a countermeasure, increasing tariffs on U.S. imports from 84% to 125%, a move scheduled to take effect on Saturday, April 12, 2025.