Trump Suggests TikTok Deal Could Involve China Easing Tariffs in Exchange for App’s Sale Approval

In a new twist to the ongoing negotiations over the future of TikTok, President Donald Trump stated that he would consider a deal where China agrees to approve the sale of the popular short-video app to a non-Chinese buyer in exchange for relief from U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasized that TikTok could serve as an example of how tariffs can be used as a negotiating tool with other countries. “You have a situation with TikTok where China will probably say: ‘We’ll approve a deal, but will you do something on the tariffs?’” Trump said, suggesting that tariffs could be leveraged to secure benefits in return.

The clock is ticking for TikTok, which faces a looming April 5 deadline to finalize a deal or face a potential ban from the United States. Under the threat of being cut off from the U.S. market, ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has been under intense pressure to find a solution.

Trump further remarked that his administration is “very close” to reaching a deal, with multiple investors involved in the discussions. The comments come just a day after Trump announced a 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the United States, with heightened duties on some of the country’s major trading partners.

As a result of the ongoing trade war, China currently faces a 54% tariff on goods imported into the U.S. The proposed deal surrounding TikTok could see China easing these tariffs in exchange for approving the app’s sale to a U.S.-based buyer.

While TikTok did not immediately respond to requests for comment, the deal remains a high-stakes negotiation between the U.S., China, and ByteDance.