The administration is hoping to move forward with trade deals as fast as it can, the U.S. trade representative said.
The Trump administration expects to finalize initial tariff deals with some trading partners “within weeks,” U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on April 30, adding that no official talks have been held with China so far.
Greer told Fox News that the administration is focused on a “targeted mission” of achieving reciprocal trade, reducing the $1.2 trillion trade deficit, increasing market access, reducing tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers, and enhancing economic security.
Having a focused approach means the administration will likely conclude the tariff deals in a much shorter time than usual, Greer said.
“I would say that we have deals that are, that are close,” Greer stated. “As the negotiator, I don’t like to negotiate in public, but I will say we’re talking about a matter of weeks and not months, to have some initial deals announced.”
Greer said the government has been in regular contact with Vietnam in recent weeks to try to hash out a deal. He will also be meeting with representatives from Japan, Guyana, and Saudi Arabia on May 1 and the Philippines on May 2, he said.
Greer said he is also working closely with officials from South Korea, whom he described as “very forward-leaning” and moving “in the right direction,” as well as the United Kingdom.
Negotiations with India are also ongoing but not yet “finish-line close” he stated.
“We’re taking anyone who’s ready to move forward and we’re moving as quickly as we can,” he said.
Greer, who said he held a call on April 2 with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to announce reciprocal tariffs, noted that no official talks have been held with China.
He said the Trump administration is seeking fair trade with China and denied that its economic policies are designed to put pressure on Beijing and force it to the table.
“Instead of having an economy that’s financed by the government, we want to make real stuff and sell it, and it means we have to deal with foreign trade practices that are harmful, including in China,” Greer said.
