Investor and television personality Kevin O’Leary is calling for a dramatic escalation in U.S. trade policy toward China, recommending that former President Donald Trump implement tariffs as high as 400% on Chinese imports if economic tensions continue to rise.
In recent comments, O’Leary criticized the current tariff structure as insufficient, arguing that the U.S. must adopt a far more aggressive stance to counter what he described as unfair trade practices by Beijing. He claimed that existing measures have not done enough to reduce the trade deficit or protect American businesses from undercutting by heavily subsidized Chinese competitors.
O’Leary, known for his role on the television show Shark Tank and his outspoken views on business policy, warned that without a stronger response, American manufacturing and intellectual property would continue to suffer. He suggested that a 400% tariff would force Chinese firms to reevaluate their approach to U.S. markets and pressure China to engage in more equitable trade negotiations.
While his comments are not tied to any formal policy effort, they align with ongoing debates inside Washington about the future of U.S.-China economic relations. Trump recently announced a new 125% tariff on all Chinese goods, a move already generating international attention and concern from some business sectors.
O’Leary dismissed fears of inflation or consumer backlash, stating that long-term economic security and domestic job creation should take precedence over short-term pricing effects. He urged policymakers to stand firm, even if global markets react negatively in the short term.
There has been no official response from Trump or his advisers regarding O’Leary’s proposal. However, the businessman’s comments are likely to resonate with those in the administration who support a more combative trade strategy aimed at reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.
As the U.S. prepares for possible further action against China’s economic policies, O’Leary’s bold proposal adds a high-profile voice to an intensifying discussion about how far the U.S. should go in confronting its largest trading rival.