Trump Teases ‘Major Trade Deal’ With ‘Highly Respected’ Country Amid Tariff Pressure
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday hinted at an imminent trade agreement with a “big, highly respected” nation, following weeks of tariff threats aimed at expediting global negotiations.
President Trump announced a press conference scheduled for Thursday morning at the Oval Office, promising details of what he called a “major trade deal” with a significant international partner.
“Big News Conference tomorrow morning at 10:00 A.M., The Oval Office, concerning a MAJOR TRADE DEAL WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF A BIG, AND HIGHLY RESPECTED, COUNTRY. THE FIRST OF MANY!!!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Though Trump did not name the country, India, Japan, and South Korea are believed to be among the frontrunners in ongoing negotiations, according to senior White House officials.
The announcement follows a sweeping tariff policy rolled out last month, under which duties of up to 50% were imposed or threatened on a wide range of imports unless countries agreed to renegotiate existing trade terms with the US.
The tariffs, which took effect briefly on April 7 before being paused for a 90-day negotiation window, are due to be reinstated on July 8 if no deals are reached.
“These countries are calling us up, kissing my a**,” Trump said in April, claiming his hardline tactics were drawing world leaders to the table. “They are dying to make a deal.”
Trump’s trade adviser Peter Navarro earlier touted the administration’s ambition, telling NBC News: “We’ve got 90 deals in 90 days possibly pending here.”
Despite early optimism, progress has reportedly slowed. Trump has recently acknowledged delays, and internal debate has intensified over the impact of tariffs on US consumers and inflation.
Economists and trade analysts have warned that the tariffs could worsen economic headwinds in a sluggish market. While administration officials insist negotiations are underway with over a dozen nations, few concrete details have emerged.
The deadlock with China remains particularly stark. No new dialogue has taken place since Trump levied a 145% tariff on Chinese imports—effectively halting talks with the US’s largest trading partner.
As speculation mounts over which country will ink the first post-tariff deal, attention turns to Thursday’s Oval Office briefing. The outcome may determine the effectiveness of Trump’s aggressive trade posture.
Trade experts caution that while a preliminary deal may be announced, substantive agreements often require years of detailed negotiation and parliamentary ratification.
