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Kevin O’Leary, a prominent businessman and “Shark Tank” star, has vocally advocated for a dramatic 400% tariff on Chinese imports, arguing it’s time to force China into fair trade practices.
His comments come shortly after President Donald Trump imposed a 125% tariff on China, a move that followed a 90-day pause on tariffs for other nations willing to negotiate trade deals with the U.S. O’Leary’s proposal significantly escalates the pressure, reflecting his belief that the current 125% tariff isn’t enough to address China’s longstanding trade behavior. He asserts that China has abused the global trade system for decades, particularly since joining the World Trade Organization, by failing to adhere to agreed-upon rules.
Many share O’Leary’s view that China systematically steals intellectual property (IP) and technology from American businesses, a grievance he claims to have experienced firsthand in his own ventures. He argues that a 400% tariff would economically “squeeze” China, potentially forcing President Xi Jinping to negotiate or face domestic unrest due to unemployment. This stance aligns with a broader sentiment among some U.S. business leaders and policymakers who see China’s actions—such as IP theft and market manipulation—as a direct threat to American economic interests.
Critics, however, warn that such aggressive tariffs could spike consumer prices and risk a deeper trade war. O’Leary remains undeterred, framing the tariff as a necessary “blowtorch” to level the playing field while the U.S. still holds significant economic leverage. His call for action underscores a growing frustration with China’s trade practices and a push for a hardline response beyond Trump’s already bold measures.
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