Higher U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods hurt American businesses and consumers, and it would be “wise” to cut those levies, says former American diplomat and trade negotiator Frank Lavin. If both countries were to reduce tariffs on each other, their relationship could improve. A mutual reduction in tariffs would also allow the U.S. to address longstanding concerns about China’s trade practices. President Joe Biden’s administration has signaled that it will continue to be tough on China. Companies from the U.S. and other countries have long complained about unequal access to the Chinese markets, lack of intellectual property protection, and forced technology transfer.