Swashbuckling Trade Policy Yields Modest Fruit

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President Trump has conceded that he may have bitten off more than his team can chew, by picking simultaneous trade battles with nearly every country on Earth.  

“We have, at the same time, 150 countries that want to make a deal, but you’re not able to see that many countries,” he told an audience in the UAE, conceding that it is "not possible to meet the number of people that want to see us”.

"At a certain point over the next two or three weeks, I think Scott and Howard will be sending letters out essentially telling people – it will be very fair – but we’ll be telling people what they’ll be paying to do business in the United States,” he said.  

Since the implementation of the “Liberation Day” tariffs on April 2, 2025, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has led a series of negotiations aimed at recalibrating trade relations with key partners, yeilding varying degrees of progress. 

China

In Geneva, Greer and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent engaged in talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, resulting in a mutual agreement to reduce tariffs: the U.S. lowered its duties on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while China reduced its tariffs on U.S. products from 125% to 10%. This 90-day pause is intended to facilitate further negotiations and stabilize trade relations between the two nations. 

European Union

Negotiations with the European Union reportedly have resumed after a period of stagnation.  Discussions are ongoing, with the EU emphasizing a cautious approach and expressing concerns over persistent U.S. tariffs in sectors like steel and automotive manufacturing. 

Maroš Šefčovič, EU trade commissioner told the Financial Times that while the bloc has offered to buy more gas, arms and foodstuffs, the two sides could not agree on the EU's value added tax, digital services, food standards and other restrictions.

United Kingdom

A non-legally binding trade agreement has been reached with the United Kingdom, involving reductions in tariffs on cars and steel in exchange for increased access to the UK market for U.S. beef and ethanol. While the deal has been criticized for lacking transparency and mutual accountability, it represents a step toward strengthening bilateral trade relations. 

South Korea

Negotiations with South Korea are ongoing, with the country seeking exemptions from the 25% tariffs imposed in April. Political instability within South Korea has posed challenges to the negotiation process. Technical consultations are scheduled, and both parties aim to reach an agreement before the July 8 deadline. 

Taiwan

Talks with Taiwan have been described as constructive, focusing on tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and economic security. Both sides have expressed a willingness to reinforce bilateral trade and economic cooperation based on mutual benefits. 

India

Progress has been made in negotiations with India under the COMPACT initiative, aiming to establish a Bilateral Trade Agreement. This initiative focuses on catalyzing opportunities for military partnership, accelerated commerce, and technology exchange between the two nations. 

All is not rosy, though.  New Delhi has notified the World Trade Organization that it intends to increase tariffs on US goods in retaliation for the Trump Administration's recent actions affecting trade with India.

Switzerland

Switzerland has emerged as a significant partner following its role in hosting the U.S.-China trade negotiations. The country’s effective diplomacy has positioned it favorably for future trade agreements with the United States. 

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