Canadian businessman and “Shark Tank” investor Kevin O’Leary ignited controversy on CNN, urging a staggering 400% tariff on Chinese imports to the U.S. His remarks coincide with the Trump administration’s escalation of trade measures, including a recently imposed 104% tariff on Chinese goods.
NEW: Kevin O’Leary calls for 400% tariffs on China, says it’s time to “squeeze Chinese heads into the wall.”
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 9, 2025
O’Leary praised Trump for playing hardball with the Chinese.
“They cheat, they steal. They steal IP. I can't litigate in their courts.”
“You may not like Trump, you may… pic.twitter.com/PMVaDzP5V4
O’Leary didn’t mince words, declaring it’s time to “squeeze Chinese heads into the wall” and praising Trump’s aggressive stance. “They cheat, they steal. They steal IP. I can’t litigate in their courts,” he said, blasting China for unfair trade practices and intellectual property theft. He argued that the U.S., as the world’s leading economy, must leverage its dominance to compel China to reform its trade behavior.
The U.S.-China trade war, sparked in 2018 when Trump slapped tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese goods over IP theft concerns, remains unresolved. A 2020 deal saw China pledge to buy $200 billion in U.S. products, but issues like state subsidies persist, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. The latest 104% tariff has rattled markets, with Fox Business noting global investor unease. O’Leary’s 400% proposal intensifies the debate.
Economic analyses paint a mixed picture. A 2024 Tax Foundation study estimates current tariffs could generate $1.6 trillion for the U.S. over a decade but may shrink GDP by $605 billion. Yale’s Budget Lab projects a 0.6% GDP drop in 2025, with U.S. households facing an extra $1,600–$2,000 in annual costs. Critics warn of rising consumer prices, while supporters argue it’s a necessary stand against China’s practices.
Tensions extend beyond trade. China’s purchase of 159,640 acres of U.S. farmland in Texas, per USDA data, has fueled food security concerns. O’Leary’s provocative call has sharpened the divide, amplifying discussions on tariffs, global markets, and U.S.-China relations as the trade conflict deepens.
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