Trump Won't Use 'Hardball' On Tariffs, But Demands China Make A Deal

Think briefly about the give-and-take that powers diplomacy, trade, and international relations. Leaders often talk tough, only to soften their stance when the cameras stop rolling.

Sometimes, they openly say one thing, then turn around and say something that seems contradictory. That mixed messaging played out in a White House briefing on April 22, when President Donald Trump fielded questions about the hefty tariffs imposed on Chinese imports.

During the press conference, a reporter asked whether he planned to “play hardball” with Beijing. Trump replied with a shrug and a grin: “I’m not going to say, ‘Oh, I’m going to play hardball with China… We’re going to be very nice; they’re going to be very nice.’”

Those words made it sound like he wanted a polite, low-key approach. But just moments later, he pivoted. “They have to make a deal. And if they don’t, we’ll make it for them,” he warned, raising the possibility of moving ahead unilaterally.

Under Trump’s trade policies, the United States has imposed import taxes as high as 145 percent on certain Chinese goods. China responded with a tariff schedule topping out at 125 percent.

Those eye-watering figures have rattled markets, raised borrowing costs on U.S. debt, and fueled fears of slower global growth. Yet Trump insisted that he is eyeing lower rates. “These tariffs will come down substantially,” he said. “But it won’t be zero.”

"Trump says he won't 'play hardball' with China during tariff negotiations "

That back-and-forth—first insisting on niceties, then reasserting hard deadlines—left many observers scratching their heads. On the one hand, he told reporters he would be “very nice” to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

On the other hand, he threatened to impose deals by fiat if Beijing didn’t cooperate. “We’re going to live together very happily and ideally work together,” he said in the same breath.

Understanding Trade Diplomacy

Dr. Robert Lawrence, a trade policy expert at Harvard, emphasizes that trade diplomacy often dances between assertiveness and negotiation. He notes, 'While tough talk can resonate with domestic audiences, real progress hinges on finding common ground.'

This balancing act is evident in Trump's approach to tariffs, where he presents a hardline stance yet seeks a cooperative resolution with China. Lawrence suggests that a successful trade strategy should blend firmness with flexibility, advocating for a clear communication framework that sets expectations while encouraging dialogue.

“Trump admitted defeat” on Weibo.

China’s government hasn’t officially responded to Trump’s most recent remarks, but state media and social media users were quick to pounce. On Weibo, the country’s version of Twitter, hashtags like “Trump admitted defeat” began trending.

China Daily, an English-language newspaper run by the Chinese Communist Party, called the tariffs “emblematic of populist protectionism” and warned that they threaten to destabilize global trade.

Beijing’s 125 percent tariff on U.S. goods has discouraged many Chinese buyers, effectively choking off demand. Meanwhile, the White House paused plans to extend wide-ranging global tariffs for 90 days—but notably left China off that reprieve.

The administration has been shuttling envoys back and forth between capitals—Japan, India, South Korea, the EU, Canada, and Mexico—all to forge side deals or coordinate positions. Trump insists he has no intention of rolling back his baseline 10 percent tariff on other countries, even as he presses them to cut their trade barriers.

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All of this sends mixed messages: complex threats paired with gentle reassurances, private cautions alongside public praise. In high-stakes trade talks, clear signals get lost first.

By pledging to be “very nice” even as he threatened 145 percent tariffs, Trump proved that in a trade war, the clearest signal is often confusion, and uncertainty is the only guarantee.

Financial analysts, like Dave Ramsey, argue that tariff policies can have far-reaching impacts on consumer prices and business operations. 'Consumers ultimately bear the cost of tariffs, which can lead to inflationary pressures,' Ramsey explains.

To mitigate these effects, he recommends that businesses focus on strategic planning and cost management. This can include diversifying supply chains and exploring alternative markets to reduce dependency on any single country, thus minimizing risks associated with tariff fluctuations.

Trade diplomacy is intricate and requires a delicate balance between assertiveness and collaboration. Experts like Dr. Lawrence highlight that success lies in negotiation rather than sheer toughness. Adapting strategies that incorporate clear communication can pave the way for sustainable agreements. Moreover, as observed by financial experts like Dave Ramsey, consumers and businesses must remain vigilant about the economic implications of tariffs. By employing strategic planning and diversifying supply chains, organizations can better navigate the challenges posed by fluctuating trade policies, ultimately fostering resilience in the marketplace.