---
title: "Trump warns tariffs on China may increase"
description: "WASHINGTON, Feb 3 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Monday he might increase tariffs on China beyond the 10% he imposed on Saturday and that \"we will speak to China\" probably over the next 24 hours."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Newsdeck"
author: "Reuters"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/reuters/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-02-03-trump-warns-tariffs-on-china-may-increase/"
published: "2025-02-03T20:50:40"
updated: "2025-02-04T18:42:05"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 43
---

# Trump warns tariffs on China may increase

> WASHINGTON, Feb 3 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Monday he might increase tariffs on China beyond the 10% he imposed on Saturday and that "we will speak to China" probably over the next 24 hours.

By Reuters · Published 3 February 2025, 22:50 SAST · Updated 4 February 2025, 20:42 SAST

## Key points
- In a bold bid to rebalance the scales of trade, he dubbed his tariffs on Chinese imports an "opening salvo," proving once again that in the geopolitical game of chess, the first move is often the loudest.
- Trump labels tariffs on Chinese imports as an "opening salvo" in trade negotiations.
- Aims to achieve a more balanced U.S.-China trade relationship.
- Comments made during a press briefing in the Oval Office.
- Reporters Trevor Hunnicutt and Steve Holland contributed to the coverage.

## Content

He described the tariffs he placed on Chinese imports as an "opening salvo" in his drive for more balance in the U.S.-China trade relationship. He spoke to reporters in the Oval Office.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and Steve Holland; Editing by Chris Reese)