70 Nations Scramble to Cut Tariff Deals with Trump

Up to 70 countries have reached out to President Trump to negotiate trade deals, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed, as global markets reel from his tariff blitz.

Bessent told reporters this week that nations are “actively negotiating” to dodge steep levies, including a 10% baseline tariff starting Saturday.

China faces a 34% hike next week, prompting Beijing to slap matching duties on U.S. goods and restrict rare earth exports.

Trump’s goal: slash America’s trade deficits, which he calls a drain on national wealth.

From Israel to Vietnam, leaders are offering concessions—zero tariffs, deficit cuts—to win exemptions.

Markets tanked again Monday, with the S&P 500 nearing bear territory, as investors brace for a trade war.

Critics blast the tariffs as reckless, predicting higher prices and job losses for Americans.

Supporters cheer Trump’s hardball, saying it forces fairer trade after decades of exploitation.

Bessent hinted Japan’s talks are advanced, with more deals likely by summer.

The White House insists over 50 nations have made contact, though some dispute the tally.

If successful, Trump could reshape global trade—though failure risks economic chaos.

For now, the world watches as Trump doubles down, calling tariffs “beautiful.”