"Requires a lot of negotiation"- Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary shares his views on US-China trade negotiations

Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary has been spending his time in Tokyo right now, preparing for his upcoming debut on the big screen. However, it is hard to keep O'Leary away from the political negotiations and happenings taking place in the US.

On February 4, 2025, Kevin joined a Fox News reporter for a brief talk on China and the US's trade negotiations. To give a little perspective to our readers, President Donald Trump announced a "10% tariff salvo" on Chima's imported goods. However, President Trump remarked that if China is ready to negotiate, the tariffs could be "substantial".

However, China has announced a retaliatory measure, planning to impose a 15% counter-tariff on coal and liquefied natural gas products. Additionally, a 10% tariff will be applied to crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large-engine cars imported from the United States starting on February 10, as reported by BBC.

Commenting on China-US trade negotiation, Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary suggested that cracking a viable parleying with China could be a tough nut. Putting an example of China's previous track record in the WTO talks, O'Leary mentioned that China is known for not "abiding by rules." He further remarked:

"I think the China deal is far more complex and requires a lot more negotiation than just a weekend of suspending tariffs of 30 days."

---

Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary believes trade negotiations with China hold a "unique" stance

Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary said that China-US trade negotiations hold a unique stance. According to O'Leary, if China decides not to reciprocate with US companies' I.P. requirements, it would be a recipe for an upcoming "economic war" between the two nations.

He chimed in about the proposed tariff rate of 10% on China and remarked:

"China is just completely different. It requires a lot more squeezing than just this. i thought 400% would be a good place to start."

The Fox News reporter compared the situation of Mexico, Canada, and China, citing all three were circled under the proposed tariff imposition by President Trump. However, Kevin believed that the situation of all three countries is quite different, and China could emerge as a "big problem" that could not be dealt with in a weekend deal.

Shark Tank investor, Kevin iterated that China exercises the loopholes to manipulate I.P. reciprocation to US companies, and there is no litigation or system available at hand that could protect the US companies.

---

Shark Tank Season 16 airs on ABC every Friday.