White House Denies Reports Trump Considering Cutting China Tariffs Unilaterally

‘When decisions on tariffs are made, they will come directly from the president. Anything else is just pure speculation,’ an official said.

President Donald Trump looks on as he hosts the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on April 21, 2025. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

WASHINGTON—Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on April 23 that President Donald Trump hasn’t proposed reducing U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports on a unilateral basis, responding to recent speculation that the president is seeking to de-escalate trade tensions with Beijing.

When asked whether there would be a unilateral tariff reduction, Bessent said, “Not at all.”