"It won't be that high": Trump, Bessent hint at walking back China tariffs

President Donald Trump suggested he might lower the punitive 145% tariffs on Chinese imports, indicating a potential easing of tensions in the U.S.-China trade dispute. During a discussion with reporters, Trump acknowledged the tariffs were too high and mentioned a 'great relationship' with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed this sentiment at a JPMorgan Chase investor conference, predicting a 'de-escalation' and noting that neither country finds the current status quo sustainable.
This development comes as the International Monetary Fund released projections of a global economic slowdown, attributing it partly to the uncertainty and increased tariffs from the trade war. The IMF's World Economic Outlook report suggests that this trade tension could hinder global growth significantly. The move to reconsider tariffs may reflect a strategic shift in U.S. policy to mitigate economic repercussions and stabilize international relations.
RATING
The article provides a timely and relevant overview of the trade tensions between the U.S. and China, focusing on recent developments in tariff policy. It accurately reports statements from key political figures and highlights the potential economic implications of these policies. While the story is generally clear and accessible, it could benefit from more diverse perspectives and detailed context to enhance its balance and transparency. The article successfully addresses a topic of significant public interest, though its impact could be strengthened by incorporating expert analysis and interactive elements. Overall, the story is well-structured and informative, contributing to the ongoing conversation about trade policy and its global ramifications.
RATING DETAILS
The story is largely accurate, with the main claims supported by verifiable information. For instance, the article mentions President Trump's consideration of reducing the punitive 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, which aligns with known public statements. Additionally, the story accurately reports Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's remarks about expecting a 'de-escalation' in trade tensions, which is consistent with his confirmed statements at a private investor conference. However, the article could improve by providing more precise details about the exact timing and context of Trump's comments, as well as clarifying the specific tariff rates and their implications. The reference to the International Monetary Fund's projections is also credible, as it aligns with the economic outlook reports concerning the impact of tariffs.
The article presents a relatively balanced view of the situation by including perspectives from both President Trump and Treasury Secretary Bessent. It highlights Trump's optimism about U.S.-China relations while also addressing the concerns raised by the International Monetary Fund about the potential economic impact of tariffs. However, the piece could benefit from incorporating more diverse viewpoints, such as reactions from Chinese officials or economic experts, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the trade tensions. The article leans slightly towards Trump's perspective, emphasizing his positive outlook without equally weighing potential criticisms or alternative analyses.
The article is generally clear and easy to follow, with a logical structure that guides the reader through the main points. The language is straightforward, and the tone is neutral, which aids in comprehension. However, the piece could be improved by providing more background information on the trade tensions and the specific tariffs mentioned. Clarifying the timeline of events and the potential economic implications of the tariffs would enhance the reader's understanding. Overall, the article is accessible, but additional context and detail could improve clarity.
The article cites credible sources such as President Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. However, it lacks direct quotes or references from Chinese officials or independent economic analysts, which could strengthen the reliability of the reporting. The story references The Associated Press and the International Monetary Fund, both reputable organizations, but it does not provide direct links or detailed attribution to these sources. Including a broader range of authoritative voices and more precise source attributions would enhance the article's credibility.
The article provides some context about the trade tensions between the U.S. and China and mentions the International Monetary Fund's projections. However, it lacks a detailed explanation of the methodology behind these projections or the specific economic data used. The story does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that might affect the reporting. Providing more transparency about the sources of information and the basis for claims would improve the article's transparency and help readers better understand the context and implications of the reported events.
Sources
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/04/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-declares-national-emergency-to-increase-our-competitive-edge-protect-our-sovereignty-and-strengthen-our-national-and-economic-security/
- https://taxfoundation.org/research/all/federal/trump-tariffs-trade-war/
- https://www.piie.com/publications/piie-briefings/2025/us-revenue-implications-president-trumps-2025-tariffs
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