Trump admits 145% tariff on China is steep, but won't slash to zero

US President Donald Trump signaled tariffs on China will decrease, stating that even if no trade agreement is reached with Beijing, Washington will proceed with its own deal, during a media conference in the Oval Office on Tuesday local time.

Since Trump's return to the White House in January, the United States has imposed additional tariffs of 145 percent on many products from China.

Trump's comment came after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the spiraling tariffs showdown against China is unsustainable.

The Treasury chief also predicted a "de-escalation" in the trade war between the world's two largest economies.

Trump acknowledged that the 145 percent tariff was "very high" and assured that it would "come down substantially".

He added, "They will not be anywhere near that number," but clarified that "it won't be zero."

In recent weeks, Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated its position that this tariff war was started by the US and China has taken necessary countermeasures in order to defend its legitimate rights and interests and international fairness and justice.

"China's position has been very clear. Tariff and trade wars have no winners. China does not want to fight these wars but is not scared of them," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said last week.