U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that he would consider a deal involving TikTok that could grant China a reprieve from U.S. tariffs on imports if the Chinese government agrees to sell the short-video application owned by ByteDance.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump highlighted TikTok as a case study in how tariffs can be used as leverage in negotiations with other nations.

He remarked, "There is a situation regarding TikTok where China is likely to say, 'We will agree to a deal, but will you take action on the tariffs?'"

Trump indicated the possibility that tariff reductions could be utilized as a bargaining chip to achieve a more favorable arrangement regarding TikTok.

The application is under pressure to find a non-Chinese buyer by April 5 to avoid a potential ban in the U.S.

The President noted that his administration is "very close" to finalizing a deal on TikTok, with multiple investors expressing interest.

These comments came a day after Trump announced a standard 10% tariff on all imports into the United States, along with increased tariffs on certain key trading partners.

As a result of current tariffs, China faces a tariff rate of 54% on goods imported into the U.S.