On Friday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Donald Trump remains “optimistic” about reaching a tariff agreement between the U.S. and China.
According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, President Donald Trump is “optimistic” about the potential for a deal concerning tariffs between the U.S. and China.
This statement followed China’s decision to raise its tariffs on U.S. imports to 125%, an increase from the previous 84%, representing the latest escalation in the ongoing trade conflict with the Trump administration.
“The president has clearly expressed his openness to negotiating with China,” Leavitt emphasized, adding that Trump is “optimistic” about the possibility of securing an agreement.
“Should China wish to engage in negotiations with the United States, the president would welcome that. However, continued retaliatory measures from China will not benefit them. The United States holds a position as the strongest and most robust economy globally, as demonstrated by the over 75 countries that have approached the administration seeking to strike beneficial deals,” stated Leavitt.
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In June 2019, China’s President Xi Jinping greets President Donald Trump prior to a bilateral meeting at the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images / Getty Images)
“The president’s priority is to ensure the best outcome for the American populace. He strives for equitable trade practices worldwide, and that’s his objective,” she added.
When asked whether Trump is anticipating a move from China, Leavitt replied, “I won’t comment on current communications that may or may not be taking place.”
CHINA INCREASES TARIFFS ON US IMPORTS TO 125% FROM 84%
On April 2, President Donald Trump showcases a chart of “reciprocal tariffs” during a speech at the White House. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Leavitt expressed that “our national security team” is capable of “initiating these discussions. As per our commitment to transparency, we will continue to provide updates in the future,” she mentioned.
Additionally, Leavitt informed the media that there has been “very good progress” made with a currently undisclosed country regarding a potential deal related to the global tariffs recently enacted by the Trump administration.
On April 7, President Donald Trump fields a question from a reporter during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images / Getty Images)
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“I won’t disclose or get ahead of our trade team, as these negotiations are currently ongoing,” she concluded.
