White House official says over 50 nations seeking new trade deals

ANI April 7, 2025 195 views

The Trump administration's aggressive trade tariff approach has triggered an unexpected diplomatic response from over 50 countries seeking new trade negotiations. White House Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett defended the strategy, arguing that nations understand the economic implications of these tariffs. The tariffs, ranging from 10% to 46% across different countries, are designed to address perceived trade imbalances and unfair practices. This bold economic maneuver represents a significant shift in US international trade relations, potentially reshaping global economic dynamics.

"More than 50 countries have reached out to the president to begin a negotiation" - Kevin Hassett, White House Economic Council Director
Washington DC, April 7: Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House Economic Council, defended the impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs on Sunday (local time) and said that while many countries are upset and retaliating, the tariffs have led to over 50 countries reaching out to the US to begin new trade negotiations.

Key Points

1

Trump implements widespread tariffs targeting global trade imbalances

2

50+ countries seeking new trade negotiations with US

3

Tariffs range from 10% to 46% across different nations

4

Economic strategy aims to address unfair international trade practices

Hassett made the remarks during an appearance on ABC News' "This Week" with George Stephanopoulos.

"So, the fact is, the countries are angry and retaliating and, by the way, I got a report from the [US Trade Representative] last night that more than 50 countries have reached out to the president to begin a negotiation. But they are doing that because they understand that they bear a lot of the tariff. And so, I don't think that you are going to see a big effect on the consumer in the US because I do think that the reason why we have a persistent, long-run trade deficit is because these people have a very inelastic supply. They have been dumping goods into the country in order to create jobs, say, in China," Hassett told ABC News.

On April 2, Trump announced a widespread imposition of tariffs on countries worldwide. In February, soon after taking charge for the second time, Trump outlined a new trade policy focused on fairness and reciprocity and said that the US would implement reciprocal tariffs, charging other countries the same tariffs they impose on American goods.

Trump emphasised that tariffs would address unfair trade practices, including non-monetary barriers, subsidies, and VAT systems, while encouraging foreign countries to either reduce or eliminate tariffs against the US.

As per the announcements, the import tariffs on other major countries are China (34 per cent), the European Union (20 per cent), Vietnam (46 per cent), Taiwan (32 per cent), Japan (24 per cent), India (26 per cent), the United Kingdom (10 per cent), Bangladesh (37 per cent), Pakistan (29 per cent), Sri Lanka (44 per cent), and Israel (17 per cent).

From April 9 onwards, countries with the largest trade deficits with the US will face higher, individualised tariffs. India is one of the countries affected, with a 26 per cent tariff imposed on all its exports.

Reader Comments

M
Marcus T.
Interesting strategy by the administration. If 50 countries are actually coming to the table, maybe there's something to this approach. The trade deficit has been a problem for decades - worth trying something different. 🤔
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Sarah L.
I'm concerned about how this will affect prices for everyday goods. Tariffs usually end up costing consumers more in the long run. Has anyone seen analysis on how this might impact grocery bills?
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Jamal K.
Finally someone standing up to China's unfair trade practices! They've been taking advantage of the system for too long. The 34% tariff seems harsh but maybe that's what it takes to get them to negotiate fairly.
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Anita R.
While I understand the intention, I worry this approach is too aggressive. Trade wars historically haven't ended well. Would prefer more diplomatic solutions rather than tariff threats. The numbers seem arbitrary too - why 26% for India but 17% for Israel?
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Trevor M.
The proof will be in the pudding. If we actually get better trade deals from this, great. But if it just leads to higher prices and trade wars, then what's the point? �
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Priya N.
As someone in manufacturing, I've seen firsthand how unfair trade practices hurt American workers. Maybe this will finally level the playing field. The 50 countries reaching out seems promising!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Trump Trade Policy Kevin Hassett International Trade Tariffs US Economic Strategy Global Trade Negotiations
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