President Trump reiterated his unconventional trade approach on Tuesday, dismissing urgency to finalize agreements despite a 90 day tariff truce window. "We don’t have to sign deals," he stated, emphasizing that the US would prioritize setting minimum tariffs for foreign imports rather than pursuing traditional free trade pacts.
Trump likened the US to a "luxury department store," asserting that global buyers must pay a "reasonable price" to access American markets. His strategy involves collaborating with advisors, including Howard Lutnick, Scott Bessent, and Senator JD Vance, to establish tariff rates aimed at ensuring "fair play" without harming other nations.
He singled out India as an example, noting its agreement to slash high tariffs, and warned that the U.S. would demand open markets or reduced tariffs from trade partners. Recent reports from Japan also revealed Trump’s stance, a willingness to cut country specific tariffs by 14% but no concessions on a proposed 10% global baseline levy or auto/steel tariffs.
The remarks underscore Trump’s preference for leveraging tariffs over negotiated deals, framing it as a strategy to prioritize US interests while pressuring other nations to lower trade barriers.
