Trump to Personally Negotiate Trade Deals with 70 Countries

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has announced that President Donald Trump will personally engage in trade negotiations with various nations. This decision comes as the administration seeks to secure favorable trade deals and address the market turmoil caused by the sweeping tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Bessent, who met with Trump in Florida, emphasized the importance of tailoring negotiations to each country's unique circumstances, allowing Trump to leverage his negotiating skills effectively.

Bessent revealed that up to 70 countries have expressed interest in negotiating over Trump's tariffs. He believes that Trump's direct involvement in these negotiations will provide the U.S. with maximum leverage. This strategy is seen as a way to address the market turmoil caused by the sweeping tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The Treasury Secretary's message to Trump was clear: focus on negotiating favorable trade deals rather than just imposing tariffs. This shift in messaging comes as the administration faces criticism and confusion over the tariffs' impact and the possibility of negotiations.

Bessent's advisers noted that the negotiations will be tailored to Trump's direct conversations with each country, ensuring that the U.S. can address specific issues and concerns. The administration has already begun trade negotiations with Japan, as announced by Bessent. This move follows Trump's expression of openness to negotiations, indicating a potential shift in the administration's approach to trade policy. The negotiations with Japan are seen as a test case for how the U.S. will handle trade talks with other countries.

Bessent's efforts to encourage Trump to focus on negotiations come amid conflicting statements from Trump officials about the tariffs' negotiability. While some officials have suggested that the tariffs are here to stay, Bessent's message indicates a willingness to engage in discussions to mitigate their impact. This approach is seen as a way to balance the administration's tough stance on trade with the need to maintain stable economic relations with key trading partners.

The Treasury Secretary's involvement in these negotiations underscores the administration's commitment to using trade policy as a tool to achieve its economic goals. By personally engaging in these talks, Trump aims to secure better deals for the U.S., potentially leading to reduced tariffs and improved trade relations with other nations. This direct engagement by Trump is a significant shift in the administration's approach to trade policy, highlighting the importance of negotiations in achieving favorable trade outcomes.