On Wednesday, President Trump raised the possibility of sudden tariffs being eased in China in exchange for state support in deals to sell Tiktok to new owners that back the US.
Beijing has acknowledged that he “must play a role” in any transaction, signaling that Trump could be opened up to negotiations. “Maybe I'll give them something a little reduced to get it done,” he said.
Under laws enacted before Trump took office, Tiktok's China-based parent company must either sell US businesses on social media apps or face something essentially equivalent to a domestic ban. Lawmakers have adopted the policy in response to growth, and Bipartisans are concerned that the app has pose a threat to US national security, Tiktok denies.
The council originally set its ultimate January deadline. However, no sales were made, and Trump urged him to delay enforcement of the law for 75 days in hopes of securing buyers, as one of his first enforcement actions.
The new deadline arrives on April 5, just three days after Trump separately planned to announce what he calls “mutual” tariffs, and places new obligations on foreign countries under trade barriers built on US imports. The president has already exposed Chinese goods to 20% tariffs, and he enacted them while in office, above those whom he enacted during his first term.
“Every point of tariffs is worth more than Tiktok,” Trump said of the negotiation outlook, adding, “It sounds like what I do.”
On Wednesday, Trump said he could issue another order that gives the government additional time to find a buyer for Tiktok. He emphasizes that the goal is “the best for our country.” The president has increased the likelihood that the US government can acquire stakes in the app.
“If it's not finished, that's not a big deal. We'll extend it,” Trump said.
Chinese officials argue that sales or sales could comply with local export laws and give Beijing power over any arrangements that Trump brokered.
