Former President Donald Trump has proposed reducing tariffs on China to encourage the sale of TikTok to a non-Chinese company. He revealed this plan on Wednesday, linking the move to national security concerns.
Trump said that he wants China to approve the sale so that TikTok can continue operating in the US. “Maybe I’ll give them a little reduction in tariffs or something to get it done,” he stated. Trump also suggested that he might extend the sale deadline, which is currently set for April 5, 2025.
US Government Fears China’s Influence
The US government has long pressured TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell its American operations. Officials worry that China could use TikTok to collect user data or spread propaganda.
The app has 170 million users in the US, making it one of the largest social media platforms in the country. Lawmakers fear that ByteDance could share sensitive user information with the Chinese government. Others believe that China could use TikTok to influence elections and global political discourse.
The ‘Sell or Ban’ Law Sets Legal Deadline
In April 2024, the Biden administration passed a law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a US ban. The original deadline for the sale was January 19, 2025.
After returning to office, Trump extended the deadline but kept the pressure on ByteDance. His administration argues that TikTok must be sold to protect national security.
Trump Balances Tariff Increases and Concessions
While offering tariff reductions to encourage TikTok’s sale, Trump has also raised tariffs on multiple imports.
Recently, he announced a 25% tariff on imported cars and car parts. This increase will take effect next week. A similar 25% tariff on imported parts will be enforced starting May 3, 2025.
Trump doubled tariffs on Chinese goods in February, raising them from 10% to 20%. He also applied 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico.
The European Union could also face new US tariffs. The US already imposes 25% duties on imported steel and aluminum.
Global Concerns Over TikTok’s Influence
TikTok faces scrutiny worldwide, not just in the US. Multiple countries have banned or restricted the app due to security and data privacy concerns.
In June 2020, India banned TikTok, along with 58 other Chinese apps. At the time, India was TikTok’s largest market outside of China.
Other nations have also taken steps to limit TikTok’s influence. Japan, Australia, and Pakistan have all discussed potential bans or restrictions on the app.
Governments Block TikTok on Official Devices
Many Western nations have banned TikTok from government devices. Australia prohibited its use on federal employee phones in April 2023. Other countries, including the UK, France, Estonia, and the European Union, followed with similar bans.
These governments argue that TikTok’s data collection policies pose a national security risk. They fear that sensitive government information could be exposed if officials use the app.
Albania Targets TikTok Over Violence Concerns
Beyond security risks, some countries have also linked TikTok to social unrest.
In December 2024, Albania banned TikTok for one year. Officials claimed the app had contributed to a rise in violent incidents among youth. The government cited reports of TikTok challenges leading to real-world harm.
US Politicians Accuse TikTok of Bias
In the US, TikTok has also faced political accusations.
Republican lawmakers claim the platform promotes pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel content. Some politicians have also accused TikTok of spreading anti-Semitic narratives.
TikTok has denied these claims. The company insists that it does not favor any political ideology and does not censor content based on government pressure.
TikTok’s Future Remains Uncertain
As the April 5 deadline approaches, ByteDance faces a difficult choice. The company could sell TikTok’s US operations, fight the ban in court, or try to negotiate an alternative deal.
With millions of American users, the outcome of this case will impact the future of social media and US-China relations.