"Trump Insists China Tariffs Cut Only Tied to Major Concessions; Highlights Market Access"

# Trump Signals Tariff Easing Depends on China's Concrete Concessions Washington—On October 25, during his journey to Rome, Italy, U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized that he would only consider reducing tariffs on Chinese goods if Beijing makes significant concessions. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump revealed that he had multiple conversations with Chinese President Xi Jinping amidst the ongoing trade conflict, stressing that any tariff reduction requires concrete action from China. “We won’t lower them unless they give us something substantial,” Trump stated when questioned about the conditions for reducing tariffs on Chinese imports. He added, “It’ll all work out. These things always work out.” When asked to clarify what he meant by "substantial concessions," Trump pointed to the idea of opening up China’s market, highlighting long-standing U.S. concerns about non-tariff barriers in China that hinder American businesses. “It’s about freeing up China, letting us go in and do business there,” Trump explained, noting that previous negotiations had almost met U.S. demands before China allegedly pulled back. “That’s honestly what we wanted all along,” he added. Further detailing his position, Trump said, “Selling our products and goods in China—that’s what we call ‘opening China.’ It would be a great thing, a big victory.” Nevertheless, he expressed doubt about whether the U.S. could convince Beijing to open its market, observing that “China doesn’t want to open up.” # Mutual Tariffs Continue, Trump Hints at Negotiation Intent Currently, the U.S. enforces tariffs totaling 145% on Chinese imports, while China imposes tariffs averaging 125% on American goods, prolonging the trade war between the two largest economies. Despite the ongoing tensions, Trump reiterated his readiness to negotiate with Beijing. Before boarding Marine One at the White House, Trump declined to share specific details of his communications with Xi but confirmed ongoing dialogues. “I’ve spoken with him multiple times,” he stated, without specifying the exact timing of their last conversation. When asked about the timing of talks with Xi, Trump responded, “I’ll tell you at the right time. Let’s see if we can reach an agreement.” In an interview published by *Time* magazine the same day, Trump disclosed that while he would not initiate a call to Xi, he remains open to communication. “Xi called me. I don’t take that as a sign of weakness from him,” Trump was quoted as saying. He also agreed with Treasury Secretary Scott Besant’s recent comment that the current U.S.-China trade dynamic is unsustainable. Trump hinted at negotiations, stating, “There’s a number they [China] feel comfortable with.” # Progress in Negotiations With Japan, Korea Ongoing Trump also commented on trade talks with Japan, indicating that both nations are close to reaching an agreement. “I get along very well with Japan,” Trump said to reporters, adding, “We are very close to a deal.” On October 17, a Japanese delegation visited Washington for tariff negotiations, with Trump making an unannounced appearance at the meeting. Meanwhile, South Korea has recently initiated formal trade talks with the U.S., although Trump did not comment on those discussions. # Visit to Italy for Pope Francis Funeral and Diplomatic Meetings Trump departed for Rome with First Lady Melania Trump to attend the funeral of Pope Francis on October 26. This marks Trump’s first international trip since taking office. The two-day visit is set to include meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and other world leaders attending the funeral, with speculation surrounding a possible meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky amid differing views on a peace settlement for the Russia-Ukraine conflict.