Trump says that 80% tariffs on China “seems right” | Forexlive

“80% Tariff on China seems right! Up to Scott B.”

I’m not sure how exactly it is up to Bessent when Trump himself is already saying that it should be 80%. Funny. US futures are hitting a bit of a whipsaw on the headline here but at the balance, is nudging lower. Gold is also catching a bid, touching a high of $3,338 while USD/JPY is now down 0.5% to 145.10 on the day.

The 80% figure is higher than what was reported yesterday here. But again, whether at 50% or 80%, the effect is more or less the same still. If the idea is to get China to the negotiating table, then it wouldn’t work. So, is Trump just sending Bessent up for slaughter here?

The bigger picture continues to allude to the potential idea that Trump’s tariffs are designed in a fashion to pursue further decoupling in US-China relations. The 10% tariffs elsewhere are also acting as an off-ramp for Trump in allowing for US firms to chase alternatives and substitutes in the meantime.