Jan 14th, 2025

China Weighs Sale of TikTok US to Musk; Trump Team Looking at 'Gradual Tariffs'

Members of President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming economic team are discussing slowly ramping up tariffs month by month, a gradual approach aimed at boosting negotiating leverage while helping avoid a spike in inflation, according to people familiar with the matter. One idea involves a schedule of graduated tariffs increasing by about 2% to 5% a month, and would rely on executive authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the people said. The proposal is in its early stages and has not yet been presented to Trump, the people said. Meanwhile Chinese officials are evaluating a potential option that involves Elon Musk acquiring the US operations of TikTok if the company fails to fend off a controversial ban on the short-video app, according to people familiar with the matter. Today's guests: Lucy Baldwin, Citi; Miranda Brawn, The Brawn Review Founder; Nigel Wilson, Canary Wharf Group Chairman & Former L&G CEO