Trump Hints at Tariff Reduction if China Approves TikTok Deal

President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday evening that he might consider reducing tariffs on China if the Chinese government approves a deal regarding TikTok brokered by his administration. "China is going to have to play a role in that," Trump stated at a White House news conference, "possibly in the form of an approval, maybe, and I think they’ll do that." This announcement comes amidst ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, with Trump previously signing a memorandum in February calling for “fair and reciprocal” trade tariffs on all major U.S. trading partners, including longtime allies.

TikTok's Uncertain Future in the United States

The fate of TikTok in the United States has been uncertain since last year following the passage of a bipartisan law signed by President Joe Biden. This legislation compels TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell the app to a non-Chinese buyer or face a nationwide ban. Although TikTok challenged this measure, the Supreme Court upheld it in the final days of the Biden administration.

TikTok briefly experienced service disruptions in the United States just before Trump’s inauguration but resumed operations after the president indicated his willingness to review the ban. On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order giving ByteDance until April 5 to sell TikTok or divest it. Since then, Vice President JD Vance has been collaborating with national security adviser Michael Waltz to identify a potential buyer.

Potential Buyers and Ongoing Negotiations

Rumors surrounding potential buyers for TikTok, which boasts millions of users and has been valued at up to $50 billion, have persisted in recent months. Several contenders have expressed interest in acquiring the platform, including Wyoming billionaire Reid Rasner. "We will find the one that’s best, best for the country,” Trump asserted on Wednesday. “I’m worried about our country more than anything else with respect to TikTok.”

Despite these developments, TikTok has not issued a public statement regarding Trump’s latest remarks about its future. ByteDance has also remained silent since Trump signed the January 20 order and has not confirmed any intention to sell the app.