Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump is prioritizing negotiations with South Korea and Japan, two of America's closest allies, as numerous countries seek to engage in discussions with Washington over new U.S. tariffs. This was stated by a senior White House official on Tuesday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, mentioned in a Fox News interview that U.S. trading partners are eager to lower the new tariffs announced by the Trump administration. These tariffs are designed to increase federal revenue, reduce America's trade deficits, and bolster domestic manufacturing. Last Wednesday, Trump introduced a minimum 10 percent "baseline" tariff and higher "reciprocal" tariffs on a list of countries deemed as "worst offenders," with South Korea and Japan facing tariffs of 25 percent and 24 percent, respectively.
Hassett emphasized that Trump is focusing on two of the closest allies, Japan and Korea, while managing a substantial number of negotiation requests, which he described as logistically challenging. He expressed optimism about the discussions, highlighting potential positive outcomes for American workers and farmers. Although he mentioned that many concessions are on the table, he did not provide further details, noting that the president will ultimately decide if any deal is sufficient to reconsider the tariffs.
During a Senate hearing, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that the Trump administration is open to alternative ideas from trading partners to pursue reciprocal trade, with nearly 50 countries having approached him regarding the new tariff policy. Greer highlighted trade barriers imposed by some partners, such as subsidies and unfair practices, as targets for negotiation, expressing openness to alternative plans that align with the administration's objectives.
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that a total of 104 percent tariffs would be applied to goods from China starting Wednesday, criticizing China's retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. Trump's administration warned of additional 50 percent tariffs on China if Beijing does not retract its retaliatory tariffs. This new tariff would be on top of the existing tariffs imposed on China.
Leavitt described China's retaliatory actions as a mistake, emphasizing Trump's stance that retaliatory measures against the U.S. will be met with stronger responses. Trump echoed this sentiment on Truth Social, suggesting that China is eager to make a deal but uncertain about initiating the process.