Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday advised countries involved in trade discussions with his administration to "just keep working hard" as the August 1 negotiation deadline approaches. He reiterated his stance that the United States has been exploited by various countries over the years, labeling them as "both friend and foe."
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Trump made these comments prior to his departure for a flood-stricken region in Texas. Countries like South Korea and Japan are engaged in talks with the United States to either prevent or lessen the effects of significant "reciprocal" tariffs scheduled to be enforced on August 1.
During a press briefing at the White House, Trump remarked, "I think just keep working hard. You know, we've been taken advantage of for many, many years by countries, both friend and foe. And frankly, the friends have been worse than the foes in many cases." He expressed optimism about the outcome, stating, "So I would say, 'Just keep working.' It's all going to work out."
Earlier in the week, Trump communicated with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung through a letter, indicating that the U.S. would commence imposing 25 percent tariffs on South Korean goods starting on August 1. This decision comes after an initial 90-day delay, with tariffs initially planned to begin on Wednesday.
The new tariff strategy was unveiled in April, part of a broader initiative aimed at overcoming trade obstacles to U.S. products, addressing U.S. trade imbalances, and reviving American manufacturing.