We have potential deals with India, South Korea, Japan: Donald Trump

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the United States has “potential deals” in the works with India, South Korea, and Japan, as he aims to turn his tariff-focused trade policy into trade agreements. Speaking during a town hall on NewsNation television network, Trump was asked when he would be announcing agreements with the three countries. “We have potential deals” with them, he responded, without offering further details.

Trump said he was in no rush to conclude the deals because the United States is already benefiting from the tariffs he has imposed. “I’m in less of a hurry than you are. We are sitting on the catbird seat. They want us. We don’t need them,” Trump said.

Some US trade deals could be reached in weeks

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer earlier on Wednesday said that the Trump administration expects to finalize initial tariff agreements with several US trading partners in the coming weeks. However, while negotiations with India are described as “finish-line close,” no formal discussions with China are currently underway.

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Speaking to Fox News Channel, Greer emphasized the administration’s focus on “targeted” deals designed to expand market access for US exports, lower tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers, and bolster US economic security.

“I would say that we have deals that are, that are close,” Greer said. “As the negotiator, I don’t like to negotiate in public, but I will say we’re talking about a matter of weeks and not months, to have some initial deals announced.”

(With inputs from Reuters)