Will Trump reduce China tariffs to seal TikTok sale?

US President Donald Trump has suggested a possible tariff reduction to help ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, sell the app to a non Chinese buyer. TikTok has 170 million users in the US, making it a significant platform in the country.

Trump mentioned he might reduce tariffs imposed on China to ensure the sale of TikTok proceeds smoothly. He emphasized that China might need to approve the deal, and a tariff reduction could be part of the negotiation.

The former president’s comments came ahead of the April 5 deadline for ByteDance to sell TikTok. If the company fails to finalize the sale, the app could face a ban in the US due to national security concerns. Initially, the ban was expected to take effect in January, but it was delayed to provide more time for negotiations.

The US government has raised concerns that TikTok, being owned by a Chinese company, poses a risk to national security. Officials argue that the app could collect and share user data with the Chinese government, a claim TikTok has repeatedly denied.

Trump’s latest statement suggests he is open to a diplomatic approach to resolve the issue, using tariffs as a bargaining tool. By easing trade restrictions, the US aims to encourage China’s cooperation in the sale of TikTok.

If Trump follows through on his proposal, the reduction in tariffs could ease tensions between the US and China. However, it may also spark criticism from those who believe the tariffs are necessary to protect American industries.

The outcome of the negotiations will significantly impact ByteDance and the future of TikTok in the US. As the April 5 deadline approaches, all eyes are on the discussions between the two countries.