Ever since the U.S. President Donald Trump announced a series of “reciprocal” tariffs, imposed on all of U.S.’ trade partners, on April 2, or what he called “Liberation Day”, many nations are now queueing to negotiate with Trump and his administration, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Currently, these reciprocal tariffs are on suspension for 90 days until July, but other tariffs Trump imposed are still in effect, such as the 10% baseline tariff imposed on all U.S.’ trade partners, except China, and the 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, and auto parts, which affect several vehicle exporters.
Many nations have made trade negotiations with the U.S. after April 2. They are as follows:
- Vietnam
Vietnam is the first nation to surrender to Trump by announcing a zero tariffs for all American imports just a day after the reciprocal tariffs took effect. This happened despite a face-to-face meeting with U.S. representatives.
On April 22, Vietnam Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien talked to Representative Greer through phone to discuss the suspended reciprocal 46% tariff rate.
If it takes effect, Vietnam could lose massive foreign investments, while its growth rate could shrink significantly due to Vietnam’s heavy dependence on exports.
Although there was not much detail of what was agreed on, Vietnamese ministry’s website stated that the call set out “principles, scope and roadmap of negotiations.” Meanwhile in Vietnam, the nation stepped up its effort on cracking down trade fraud, counterfeiting and other issues related to the U.S. in hope of avoiding steep tariffs.
The asia nation may discuss purchasing more American goods such as LNG, commercial aircraft, and fighter aircraft, as Vietnam repeatedly made this statement last year.
- Japan
On April 16, Japan entered into trade negotiations with the U.S. as its delegate, led by Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy Ryosei Akazawa, met with President Trump, Secretary Bessent, Secretary Lutnick and Representative Greer.
Beside the suspense of 24% reciprocal tariff, the nation also faces the baseline tariff and the 25% tariff on Auto, which significantly affected the nation due to its heavy dependence on auto export.
Although the specific detail of the meeting was not shared, Akazawa confirmed that he strongly requested a revocation of the tariffs as Japan aimed to achieve a “win-win” situation without tariffs, vowing to increase investment in the U.S.
As for the U.S, Bessent stated there may be talk about having Japan make a commitment to a natural gas project in Alaska. Trump also may discuss payments for hosting U.S. soldiers and the trade deficit as he previously mentioned before.
After the meeting, Akazawa stated that the both sides agreed to hold a second meeting later this month while believing that the U.S. wanted to secure a deal within the pausing period. He also stated that Trump now viewed getting a deal with Japan as a “top priority.” As for Trump, he commented on social media stating “Big Progress!”
- EU
On April 17, President Trump met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to discuss the tariff the U.S. president imposed on the European Union. Other than a 25% reciprocal tariff that is now in suspension, 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, cars and a 10% baseline tariff are in effect.
Meloni acted as intermediary between the two sides and discussed tough stances against diversity, inclusion policies, and migration with Trump. She later invited him to Italy in the near future, which the president agreed to.
On the next day in Rome, she met Vice President JD Vance who was visiting Italy with his family. According to Vance, he updated Meloni on negotiations with the European Union over trade and possibly discussed the peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
- India
On April 21, Vice President Vance and his family headed to India and met its Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. Over the dinner at Modi’s residence in New Delhi, both sides used the opportunity to discuss trading, as India is facing the 26% reciprocal tariff imposed by its biggest trading partner.
According to a former Indian diplomat, India plans to use Vance’s visit to expedite trade negotiations with the U.S. Moreover, the nation also tries to become an alternative option for a manufacturing base, replacing China that is facing a high U.S. tariff.
As for the U.S., Vance stated that he wants India to purchase more energy and defence equipment, such as F-35 fighter jets. He also stated the desire to aid India on exploring its offshore natural gas reserves, critical mineral supplies, and possibly nuclear energy.
Although there is not much detail about what was discussed, Modi’s office stated that both sides welcomed the progress made during the meeting and plan to continue “enhancing cooperation in energy, defence, strategic technologies and other areas.” Vance also stated they both form the terms of reference for the trade negotiation.
Still, there may be a challenge. During Vance’s visit, several India farmers came out to protest as they feared that their government may cut import tariffs as part of a deal with President Trump. These tariffs prevent the domestic market from being flooded by foreign agricultural products, but the U.S. wants them reduced so India’s market can be accessed easier.
- China
On April 25, President Trump claimed that his administration had negotiated with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who called him. This happened two days after Trump announced that he would be “nice” on China and stated that the U.S. may lower the tariff rate imposed on China’s goods if both countries can reach an agreement.
Both countries have been escalating trade war by increasing the tariff imposed on each other. As of now, the U.S. raised the reciprocal tariff on China to 145% and excluded the world’s second largest economy from a 90 day tariff suspension. As for China, it raised the tariff on U.S.’ goods to 125% and imposed restrictions on many U.S. firms.
The negotiation announcement significantly decreased the tension between the two. Although the details of the talk were not revealed, Trump claimed that both nations had made 200 tariff deals and planned to finish negotiations in three to four weeks. However, China later announced that the message was not true as the talk never happened.
- South Korea
On April 25, South Korean Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok and Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun met with Secretary Bessent and Representative Greer.
Besides the suspended reciprocal 25% tariff rate, the nation also faces the 10% baseline tariff and the 25% tariff on steel and Auto, an issue South Korea wanted to focus at the meeting.
The specific detail was not shared like other meetings. However, South Korea stated that it requested an exemption for reciprocal tariff and tariff on specific goods, addressed trade imbalances, and the offer of cooperation on shipbuilding and energy.
As for the U.S., the nation brought up the topic of non-tariff barriers in the digital services sector, according to South Korea.
As for the conclusion of the meeting, Bessent commented that it was successful. Ahn also stated that the two nations will have another talk this week to create a pathway for forming a trade package called ‘July package.’
Meanwhile, Choi stated that there will be more meetings in the middle of May, with focus on tariffs and non-tariff measures, economic security, investment cooperation, and currency policy.
Still, South Korea may face some challenges before the nation can achieve successful negotiation. First, South Korea will hold a snap election on June 3, which may affect the talk. Second, its acting president, Han Duck-soo, announced the decision not to fight back against the U.S., citing a favour South Korea owed after the Korean War. This decision may hurt the nation especially if the Trump administration presents an unfair agreement.
Finally, experts point out that South Korea under an acting president’s administration may be unable to make firm commitments on energy projects.
