U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday an 80% tariff on Chinese goods "seems right," suggesting for the first time a specific alternative to the 145% levies he has imposed on Chinese imports ahead of closely watched weekend talks between the two countries.

Trump suggests cutting China tariffs to 80% ahead of key U.S.-China trade talks in Geneva. Follow Newsweek's live blog.

The president said reducing tariffs to 80 percent from the current 145 percent “sounds right,” as U.S. and Chinese negotiators prepare to meet in Switzerland.