U.S. tariffs on China may be reduced to about 50%-65%, and a 'tiered tariff' plan is being considered. How should this be interpreted? How can U.S.-China trade return to normal?

For several consecutive days, the U.S. government has been sending signals from top to bottom to 'cool down' the trade standoff with China, the implication of 'not being able to hold on' is evident. Now, American media has also started to leak information.

On April 23, local time, The Wall Street Journal, citing exclusive sources, reported that the Trump administration is considering significantly reducing the high tariffs imposed on Chinese imports, with reductions exceeding half in some cases. This move aims to ease the tensions between China and the U.S., which have currently disrupted global trade and investment activities. Insiders revealed that President Trump has not yet made a final decision and claimed that discussions are still subject to change, with multiple options currently being considered.

A senior White House official stated that U.S. tariffs on China could potentially be reduced to a range of about 50% to 65%. Insiders indicated that the Trump administration is also considering a so-called 'tiered tariff' plan, similar to the proposal put forward by the U.S. House of Representatives' 'Special Committee on U.S.-China Strategic Competition' at the end of last year—imposing a 35% tariff on goods that the U.S. does not consider a national security threat, while imposing at least a 100% tariff on goods involving so-called 'U.S. strategic interests.' This proposal suggests that the tariff system would be implemented in phases over five years.

According to reports, White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai responded: 'President Trump has made it clear that China needs to reach an agreement with the United States. The decision on tariffs will be made directly by the president. Anything else is purely speculation.'

Earlier on April 23, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian stated that if the U.S. truly wants to resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiation, it should stop threats and coercion, and engage in dialogue with China on the basis of equality, respect, and mutual benefit. Saying that they want to reach an agreement with China while continuously applying extreme pressure is not the correct way to deal with China, nor is it feasible.