Trump Claims China Will Absorb Tariff Costs Amid Trade Tensions

Former President Donald Trump defended his administration's imposition of 145% tariffs on Chinese imports, asserting in several interviews that China would likely absorb the costs rather than passing them on to American consumers. Trump dismissed warnings from economists and journalists that the tariffs could significantly raise prices on goods like electronics, clothing, and homebuilding materials, arguing that the measures were justified due to what he described as longstanding trade abuses by China. Despite Trump's claims, Chinese officials forcefully rejected the tariffs, releasing statements and a confrontational video accusing the U.S. of economic bullying and vowing not to yield under pressure. Chinese authorities also criticized the U.S. approach as damaging to international trade norms and called on other nations to resist American economic coercion. Meanwhile, there are few signs of ongoing formal negotiations between the two countries, heightening global economic uncertainty and straining international trade relationships. U.S. officials maintain that the tariffs will ultimately harm China more than the U.S., but economists remain skeptical about the potential impact on American consumers.