Any tariff deals struck with U.S. Administration likely to be “tentative or aspirational”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt declared that U.S administration held meetings with officials from 34 countries this week alone, receiving 18 tariff proposals as part of a broader push to secure trade deals. Vice President JD Vance, speaking during a visit to India, announced that the U.S. and India had agreed on “broad terms of negotiation” for a future agreement.
Yet trade analysts warn the administration may be overreaching. Traditional deals take months or years to finalize, therefore, they suggest that any agreement reached soon is likely to be tentative and deliver limited economic impact.
Last week’s talks included the Trade Ministers from India, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and the U.K., while the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyem reported “countless talks” with global leaders from countries including Iceland, the United Arab Emirates, and Mexico. “The Wesst as we know no longer exists” she remarked, hinting at the fact that Europe has to look elsewhere for allies and partners.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, on April 22nd, said his administration would scale back the 145% tariffs on Chinese imports – though not eliminate them entirely. Nonetheless, China swiftly denied any progress, as a Ministry of Commerce spokesperson stated that “There are currently no economic and trade negotiations between China and the United States, and any claims about progress in economic and trade negotiations between China and the United States are unfounded rumors without concrete evidence.”

Source: The New York Times
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