On April 10, 2025, Kevin O’Leary, the well-known investor from Shark Tank, shared an insightful clip on Instagram where he candidly addressed the growing trade tensions between the United States and China, as well as the newly implemented tariffs. O’Leary articulated a decisive perspective on the impact of these economic measures during his discussion with CNN’s Jim Sciutto.
Kevin O’Leary’s Insights on Economic Warfare
“I don’t want to talk about war here with bombs. This is an economic war, and right now I know who has the upper hand. I’m sorry, money talks and BS walks, and that’s what’s going to happen here.”
During the conversation, O’Leary expressed frustration over the escalating rhetoric surrounding trade, asserting that extreme tariffs—ranging from 25% to 400%—should provoke serious negotiations. He demanded a summit with Chinese leadership in Geneva to resolve ongoing disputes.
“We can have the rhetoric, but I just say screw around with this 25 percent – 400 percent tariffs, shut down the markets. He gets on a plane. Geneva, Switzerland. Let’s talk. I’m just tired of the rolling theft. I’m just tired of it.”
These remarks coincided with the Trump administration’s decision to elevate tariffs on Chinese imports to a staggering 145%. In response, Beijing declared counter-tariffs of 84% on American goods, intensifying the trade conflict.
Analysing O’Leary’s Position on Tariffs
O’Leary dismisses worries that China might leverage its U.S. Treasury holdings to gain an upper hand. He stresses the vast scale of the American market and underscores vulnerabilities in the Chinese economy. Notably, he cited the high unemployment rate in China as a potential destabilizing factor for Xi Jinping’s government, arguing that the U.S. currently possesses superior negotiation strength in this economic battle.
Additionally, in an earlier appearance on CNN’s Laura Coates Live on April 9, 2025, O’Leary expressed a strong desire for amplification of tariffs, stating:
“104 percent tariffs on China are not enough. I’m advocating 400 percent.”
His extensive experience in business, particularly his testimony directed at U.S. lawmakers regarding Chinese market practices, displays his dedication to advocating for fair trade practices. He detailed instances from his investment portfolio showcasing how companies with $5 million in sales often encounter systematic product duplication.
Recent Developments in the Tariff War
The recent economic conflict escalated as the Trump administration imposed immediate tariff hikes exceeding 145% on Chinese products starting April 10, 2025, a decision motivated by what White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt termed China’s “lack of respect”for American trade norms.
In swift retaliation, Chinese officials, through the Ministry of Commerce, announced plans to impose 84% tariffs on U.S. imports effective April 11, 2025. This latest response was part of an ongoing pattern, with previous tariffs on Chinese goods having commenced from a base rate of 20%.
The Chinese government stressed its commitment to protect domestic market interests but remained open to negotiations through appropriate diplomatic channels.
Originally, the trade dispute evolved from a 34% duty placed on Chinese imports under the “Liberation Day”tariffs, which were layered on top of pre-existing taxes of 20%. By the morning of April 10, the White House maneuvered to increase the total tariff burden to 104%, provoking immediate reactions in the markets.
Hours after this announcement, Beijing responded by revealing additional 84% tariffs on American goods, set to take effect shortly thereafter. Despite calling China’s retaliatory measures a “mistake,”White House Press Secretary Leavitt emphasized the administration’s openness to negotiations while maintaining the newly implemented tariffs.
About Kevin O’Leary
O’Leary is a prominent business figure, credited with founding SoftKey Software Products in Toronto in 1983, which subsequently evolved into The Learning Company and was later sold to Mattel for an impressive $3.2 billion in 1999. His television career commenced in 2006 with CBC’s Dragons’ Den, followed by his role on ABC’s Shark Tank starting in 2009.
He possesses a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the University of Waterloo and holds an MBA from Western University. With experience in venture capital, O’Leary established O’Leary Funds in 2008, divesting in 2016.
Aside from his business endeavors, O’Leary ventured into politics by attempting to lead the Conservative Party in 2017. His recent testimony to Washington further cements his status as a knowledgeable authority in international trade and economics.
For updates and insights, you can follow Kevin O’Leary on Instagram at @kevinolearytv.