Bessent Admits No Trade Deals Likely Before Tariff Deadline

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent delivered a blunt assessment today, stating the U.S. is unlikely to secure any trade deals by April 9 to avert President Trump’s planned retaliatory tariffs, raising alarms about potential economic fallout. The admission signals a hardline stance from the administration, which has pushed reciprocal trade policies to counter what it calls unfair practices by other nations.

Bessent’s comments came during a morning interview on a major business network. He cited stalled negotiations with key trading partners as the primary hurdle.

The April 9 deadline looms large, with tariffs set to hit countries like China and Canada hardest. Economists warn this could spike prices on everyday goods, from electronics to groceries.

Bessent has defended the tariff push as a way to level the playing field for American workers. He claims many nations exploit the U.S. with high tariffs and restrictive markets.

Critics argue the strategy risks a trade war that could tank global markets. They point to last week’s stock plunge as evidence of investor jitters over the policy.

The Treasury chief suggested some countries are open to talks but lack urgency. He singled out “the dirty 15”—nations with the worst trade imbalances—as top targets.

Businesses are already bracing for higher costs, with some passing them on to consumers. Retailers report scrambling to stockpile goods ahead of the deadline.

Bessent’s earlier optimism about “pre-negotiated” deals has faded, sources say. His shift in tone hints at internal pressure to stick to Trump’s aggressive timeline.

Lawmakers on both sides have urged a slower approach, fearing job losses in key states. Bessent dismissed their pleas, insisting the U.S. must flex its economic muscle now.

Foreign leaders, like Canada’s Justin Trudeau, have vowed to retaliate if tariffs kick in. Such tit-for-tat moves could deepen the economic strain on American families.

The White House insists this is about long-term gains, not short-term pain. Skeptics counter that the average worker will feel the pinch well before any benefits materialize.

With no deals in sight, the tariff clock is ticking louder than ever. Bessent’s candor underscores a gamble that could reshape U.S. trade for years to come.