Speaking on CNBC

  • Pres Trump wants to get the right deal
  • Trump's objectives on US China trade deal haven't changed
  • He is happy to continue with tariffs if no deal with China is made
  • Hong Kong situation is a variable in China trade deal, but Chinese retaliation on Navy vessels is not a big deal
  • US can live without the port of Hong Kong
  • if there is a little bit of time needed for more talk then the tariffs will probably be postponed. Otherwise the tariffs will go into effect.
  • there is no time pressure to get China trade deal done
  • He is optimistic that US will eventually get something done on trade with China
  • Brazil, Argentina tariffs not related to China
  • there is always a chance of a breakthrough that could impact the December 15 tariffs
  • expects staff level talks with China to continue but no high level meetings are scheduled
  • Europe has consistently not lived up to the WTO rules
  • Pres. Trump has flexibility to impose tariffs on Europe
  • Remains to be seen if Trump would also impose tariffs on other countries that impose a digital tax
  • does not believe there is anything imminent regarding Huawei access the US banking system