‘Shark Tank’ Star Kevin O’Leary Calls for 400% Tariff on China as Trump Escalates Trade War with 125% Levy

Kevin O’Leary, the "Shark Tank" host and businessman, has voiced strong criticism of the current tariff policies against China under President Donald Trump, arguing that the existing tariffs are still far too low. On CNN, O’Leary specifically called out China, stating that the current 104% tariffs on Chinese goods are insufficient. He suggested that these tariffs should be ramped up significantly, proposing an increase to 400%. O’Leary’s comments highlight his frustration with China’s trade practices, which he believes continue to violate international trade rules.

O’Leary, who conducts business in China, expressed deep concerns over the country’s behavior in the global market, accusing China of routinely violating the terms of the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement. He pointed out that China has been a member of the WTO for decades but has failed to abide by the rules it agreed to when joining, which includes stealing intellectual property, engaging in unfair business practices, and preventing foreign businesses from litigating in Chinese courts. According to O’Leary, China also steals product technology, manufactures it, and then sells the products back to the U.S., putting American businesses at a significant disadvantage.

Frustrated with the lack of effective action against China, O’Leary called for drastic measures, stating, "I want Xi on an airplane to Washington to level the playing field." He emphasized that this issue has evolved beyond just tariffs; it’s a larger systemic problem with China’s economic practices that requires a more aggressive approach. O’Leary's stance reflects the broader sentiment among many business leaders who feel that China’s disregard for international norms has gone unchecked for far too long.

In response to growing concerns about China’s trade practices, President Trump recently announced a 90-day suspension of tariffs on goods from 75 countries that had expressed interest in negotiating with the U.S. The tariff rates for these compliant nations were reduced to 10%. However, in a move directly aimed at China, Trump increased the tariff on Chinese goods to 125%, significantly raising the stakes in the ongoing trade dispute. Trump took to Truth Social to explain his decision, stating, "Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately." He further expressed that, at some point, China would have to realize that its exploitation of the U.S. and other countries is no longer sustainable or acceptable.

Following Trump’s announcement, the stock market reacted positively, with major indices such as the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones all posting strong gains on Wednesday. This rebound signaled investor optimism in response to the potential for new trade negotiations and a clearer stance on tariffs, particularly toward China. Despite O’Leary’s call for even harsher measures, the move to raise tariffs on China appears to have been a step toward taking a stronger stand on the global trade stage, though the debate over the best approach to managing China’s role in the international economy continues to unfold.