Washington: The US is set to implement a 104% tariff on China starting Wednesday, as confirmed by a White House announcement. This decision was relayed by spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt during a press briefing on Tuesday.
According to Anadolu Agency, President Donald Trump is convinced that China needs to strike a deal with the United States, and he described China's previous retaliatory actions as a mistake. Leavitt emphasized Trump's willingness to respond positively if China seeks to negotiate, stating that Trump will prioritize the interests of the American populace. She remarked that while the Chinese are inclined to negotiate, they are uncertain about the process.
Leavitt also highlighted that nearly 70 countries have approached Trump for discussions on tariffs following his recent announcement. Trump's strategy includes a 10% minimum tariff on all imports and elevated reciprocal tariffs targeting major trading partners like China and the European Union.
During a meeting with his trade team on Tuesday, Trump instructed the development of customized trade agreements with countries that engage with his administration. Leavitt clarified that Trump is not considering delaying or extending the tariff imposition, and he anticipates their enactment as planned.
She further noted that the ongoing application of reciprocal tariffs, as negotiations continue, is expected to significantly boost US revenue.