Trump Administration Pushes for Trade Offers Ahead of Deadline

The Trump administration is requesting that countries submit their best trade offers by Wednesday, June 4. This move comes as U.S. officials work to speed up trade talks with several nations before their five-week deadline.

A draft from the U.S. Trade Representative’s office shows President Trump wants to wrap up complicated trade talks that started on April 9. That was the day he paused his planned tariffs, called “Liberation Day” tariffs, for 90 days, after markets reacted negatively.

The draft shows that the U.S. is in a hurry to complete deals quickly. Although White House officials, such as economic adviser Kevin Hassett, say progress is being made, so far only one deal has been reached, with Britain. However, that deal is not final and serves more as a starting point for future talks.

The U.S. is asking countries to send in their best offers on key trade areas. These include tariffs and quotas on American goods like industrial and farm products, and ways to reduce other trade barriers. The U.S. also wants promises on digital trade and economic security, along with specific actions each country is willing to take.

Once countries respond, the U.S. plans to review the offers within a few days and suggest a “landing zone,” which might include new tariff rates that both sides agree on. It is not clear which countries will receive the request. But the draft is meant for countries already in talks with the U.S., such as the European Union, Japan, Vietnam, and India.

A U.S. trade official said talks are moving forward. “We’re having positive discussions with many major partners. It’s important for everyone to take stock of where things stand and plan the next steps,” the official said.