U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that he may consider lowering tariffs on China if the Chinese government approves the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations.
ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, has until April 5 to find a non-Chinese buyer or face a ban in the United States.
The ban, originally set to take effect in January under a 2024 law, stems from concerns over national security risks tied to the app’s Chinese ownership.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Trump emphasized that China’s role in the approval process is crucial.
“China is going to have to play a role in approving a TikTok-related divestiture,” he stated.
Trump also hinted at the possibility of adjusting tariffs to facilitate the deal.
“Maybe I’ll give them a little reduction in tariffs or something to get it done,” he said, acknowledging that TikTok holds significant value but stressing, “Every point in tariffs is worth more than TikTok.”
However, Trump expressed flexibility, stating he was open to extending the deadline if negotiations required more time.
Vice President JD Vance recently voiced optimism about reaching a resolution before the deadline.
Speaking earlier this month, Vance suggested that an agreement was likely to be finalized by early April, though he refrained from revealing potential buyers.
He also acknowledged that some issues could delay the process.
Meanwhile, China’s commerce ministry reaffirmed its stance on tariffs and trade relations with the U.S. during a press briefing on Thursday.
Officials stated that Beijing remains willing to engage in discussions based on “mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit.”
The ongoing TikTok sale negotiations have become a focal point in U.S.-China trade relations.
While Washington sees the app’s ownership as a security threat, Beijing has consistently opposed U.S. efforts to force ByteDance into selling its operations.
The outcome of this deal could influence broader trade policies, particularly regarding tariffs and cross-border tech regulations.
