**Washington**: President Trump is negotiating trade agreements with Vietnam, India, and Israel ahead of April’s tariffs. These discussions aim to mitigate international backlash and demonstrate the US’s leverage in global trade, with China facing the steepest impact from the proposed tariffs.
US President Donald Trump is reportedly engaging in discussions with representatives from Vietnam, India, and Israel to explore individual trade agreements that could potentially lessen the impact of proposed tariffs set for implementation by April 9. These negotiations form part of a broader strategy as Trump seeks to manage his tariff initiatives and soften the potential backlash from affected nations.
The information comes from a source closely tied to the ongoing negotiations, indicating that these initial interactions are considered the “first wave” of discussions aimed at navigating the complex landscape of international trade. In response to the announcement of new tariffs by the United States, countries such as China and Canada have already begun outlining their plans for retaliatory measures.
Despite the assertion by Senior Trade Representative Peter Navarro and Vice President J.D. Vance that the tariffs signify a “reset of global trade,” other members within Trump’s administration have recognised his inclination towards deal-making. Eric Trump, the president’s son, commented on social media regarding the importance of negotiation, stating, “I wouldn’t want to be the last country to try to negotiate with @realdonaldtrump. The first to negotiate will win — the last will absolutely lose. I have seen this movie my entire life.”
In public statements, President Trump expressed an openness to trade negotiations, noting, “Every country has called us. That’s the beauty of what we do, we put ourselves in the driver’s seat.” He highlighted that the potential for negotiation is heightened by the tariffs, using the example of discussions surrounding TikTok with China, suggesting that the tariffs elevate the US’s leverage in talks.
The tariffs announced by Trump on Tuesday, April 2, are poised to have significant implications for global markets, extending broadly to most countries. China appears to be the most adversely affected, facing a striking 34% tariff. Notably, while countries such as Ukraine are included in the tariff structure, Russia and Belarus have been exempted from this list. This situation underscores the complexities facing international trade relations under the current US administration.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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