US president sends mixed messages on China tariffs, signals another pause "unlikely"

US President Donald Trump continues to send mixed signals regarding the future of tariffs on China, suggesting that he would not consider lifting the current tariffs unless Beijing offers “something substantial” in return.

However, Trump remained vague on whether that would mean a full or partial removal of the 145 per cent tariffs currently in place, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

Speaking to reporters, Trump clarified his stance, stating, "I will not drop tariffs on China unless they offer something substantial in return." However, when pressed about the specifics of what concessions he would expect from China, Trump stated that he would like China to open its economy further. Yet, he quickly added that this might be unrealistic. “That would be great. That would be a big win. But I’m not even sure I’m going to ask for it, because they don’t want it open,” Trump said.

In addition, Trump cast doubt on the possibility of another pause in the so-called "reciprocal" tariffs, which he had previously announced and briefly suspended earlier this month. With their 90-day expiration window approaching, Trump deemed the likelihood of another pause as “unlikely.”

The mixed messaging comes as tensions between the US and China continue to simmer, with ongoing trade talks and the broader economic rivalry between the two countries remaining a key issue on the global stage.

By Vafa Guliyeva