In a move that could reignite U.S.-China tensions or seal a blockbuster tech deal, President Donald Trump hinted at reducing tariffs on China to push through a sale of TikTok before his April 5 deadline.
The app, which has 170 million American users, has been at the center of a geopolitical tug-of-war. Washington has demanded its sale over national security concerns.
The Trade-Off: Tariffs for TikTok?
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday (March 26), Trump floated the idea of a tariff reduction if China helps finalize the sale of ByteDance’s prized social media platform to a U.S. buyer.
“With respect to TikTok… China will have to play a role in that, possibly in the form of approval, and I think they’ll do that. Maybe I’ll give them a little reduction in tariffs or something to get it done,” Trump said.
His comments come just days after he slapped a fresh 25% tariff on imported cars and parts, further straining already fragile U.S.-China relations. Beijing’s response has been swift, with Chinese officials stating their opposition to “unilateral tariff impositions” while urging Washington to return to dialogue.
A TikTok Deal or More Trade War?
The biggest sticking point in any TikTok sale has consistently been securing Beijing’s approval. ByteDance, a Chinese company, has so far resisted pressure to divest fully from TikTok, and China has imposed strict regulations on exporting its AI-driven algorithms—TikTok’s most valuable asset.
While Trump now hints at flexibility on tariffs, China’s past responses suggest it won’t be easily swayed. In February, Beijing doubled tariffs on U.S. goods after Washington ramped up duties, and it has since blacklisted American tech and defense firms in retaliation.
Trump’s TikTok Turnaround
Ironically, Trump once pushed for TikTok’s outright ban, citing fears that the app could be used for Chinese surveillance and political influence. Now, he’s not only looking to broker its sale but has also become one of its biggest influencers, boasting over 15 million followers and billions of views during his 2024 election campaign.
His new stance suggests a shift in priorities: rather than erasing TikTok from American soil, he wants to ensure it’s under U.S. control—while using the deal to gain leverage over China in trade negotiations.
The Countdown to April 5
Just days before his deadline for a non-Chinese buyer to emerge, Trump gambles that a tariff cut might sweeten the deal for Beijing. But will China bite?
With both nations locked in an escalating economic standoff, the TikTok saga has become more than just a business transaction—it’s a high-stakes geopolitical chess match with billions on the line.
Stay tuned, because this tech-political thriller is far from over.
