Customs duties: Trump suggests cutting taxes on Chinese products to 80%

US President Donald Trump suggested on Friday, May 9, lowering tariffs on China to 80%, from the current 145%, ahead of negotiations between the two countries on their trade relationship in Switzerland.

"80% tariffs on China seem like the right level! It depends on Scott B," the US president wrote on his Truth Social network, referring to the person who will lead the negotiations for Washington, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

After weeks of escalating tensions between the two countries, Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are scheduled to meet with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng this weekend in Geneva to lay the groundwork for trade talks.

Since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January, his administration has imposed new tariffs totaling 145% on goods from China, along with sector-specific measures targeting steel, aluminum, and electric vehicles.

Beijing retaliated by imposing 125% tariffs on US imports into China, along with more targeted measures.

In another message on Friday, Donald Trump also said that China should "open its market to the United States," adding that "it would be so good for them!!!"

"Closed markets no longer work," he said, as he launched a vast protectionist offensive since his return to power.

On Thursday, the US president presented a trade agreement with London , allowing the United Kingdom to escape the bulk of American surcharges on its cars and further opening the British market to American agricultural products.

Such an agreement is the first since Donald Trump imposed tariffs on US imports worldwide, before largely backtracking in the face of the upheaval in the international economic order.