Trump Stuns with Claims of Halting China Tariff Hikes—Genuine Shift or Tactical Ploy?

The U.S. President’s sudden declaration that he may no longer raise tariffs on China has sparked speculation: Is the trade war nearing its end? 

On April 17, President Trump stated that he is reluctant to further escalate tariffs on Chinese goods, warning that doing so could paralyze trade between the two nations.  

*"I may not want to raise tariffs anymore—maybe not even keep them at current levels. I might even lower them, because at a certain point, people just stop buying," Trump remarked.

While Trump acknowledges that additional tariffs could severely dampen consumer spending—potentially justifying a freeze or reduction for America’s benefit—this doesn’t signal a retreat in his broader strategy against China.  

According to Bloomberg, the U.S. is negotiating tariff concessions with dozens of nations, with a critical condition: partner countries must curb imports of Chinese goods. The apparent goal? To systematically undermine China’s manufacturing dominance by rallying global allies.  

It is clear that Trump's ultimate goal is still to stifle China. However, he does not want to get stuck in a quagmire himself. So, he came up with the strategy of "killing with a borrowed knife." He hopes to use other countries to undermine China.