U.S. President Donald Trump suggested an 80% tariff on Chinese goods ahead of high-level trade negotiations with Beijing this weekend.

In a Truth Social post on Friday, Trump wrote, “80% Tariff on China seems right! Up to Scott B,” referring to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is leading the U.S. delegation at the talks in Switzerland.

The proposed rate would mark a significant reduction from the current 145% tariffs imposed on many Chinese imports, though it remains sharply higher than the 10% baseline agreed upon in the new U.S.-U.K. trade deal, as reported by NBC.

During an event unveiling that U.K. deal on Thursday, Trump hinted at a possible rollback of tariffs on Chinese goods, saying, “You can’t get any higher. It’s at 145, so we know it’s coming down,” according to the BBC. He also called the upcoming meeting with Chinese officials “very friendly,” and said both sides were aiming to proceed “in an elegant way.”

China’s Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying expressed confidence ahead of the negotiations, stating Beijing has “full confidence” in managing trade ties with Washington, as reported by the BBC.

As reported by Reuters, internal concern in Beijing over the economic toll of tariffs and diplomatic isolation contributed to China’s decision to send Vice Premier He Lifeng to the talks. However, the road to re-engagement has been rocky, with friction over U.S. diplomatic messaging—particularly a letter about fentanyl policy that Beijing reportedly viewed as “arrogant.”

Despite the willingness to talk, Chinese officials continue to criticize Washington’s tariff strategy. The U.S. has ignored China’s goodwill and unreasonably imposed tariffs on China under the pretext of fentanyl. This is a typical act of bullying, which seriously undermines dialogue and cooperation between the two sides in the field of drug control.” China’s foreign ministry told Reuters.

Trump further escalated rhetoric Friday, declaring in a separate Truth Social post, “CHINA SHOULD OPEN UP ITS MARKET TO USA — WOULD BE SO GOOD FOR THEM!!! CLOSED MARKETS DON’T WORK ANYMORE!!!” according to NBC.