Over 130 Countries Seek Negotiations with U.S. on Customs Duties: White House
Washington, D.C., The Gulf Observer: Kevin Hassett, Head of the White House National Economic Council, has announced that 130 countries have formally reached out to the United States to express their readiness to enter negotiations regarding customs duties.
In an interview with CNN, Hassett stated, “Currently, 130 countries have contacted us and we are in talks with them,” noting that the U.S. has reduced import duties to 10% for those nations that have engaged in negotiations.
This development follows recent trade policy announcements by President Donald Trump. On April 2, the President declared the imposition of customs duties on goods from 185 countries and territories, as part of a broader strategy aimed at recalibrating U.S. trade relationships and protecting domestic industries.
Subsequently, on April 9, President Trump announced a temporary suspension of increased tariffs for a 90-day period for 75 countries that demonstrated a willingness to engage in dialogue. During this suspension, these countries would be subject to a 10% import duty rather than higher tariff rates initially proposed.
In addition to multilateral negotiations, Hassett also commented on the status of U.S.–China trade relations, acknowledging that a process aimed at resolving long-standing trade disputes is underway but remains “in its infancy.”
The ongoing outreach by numerous countries and the temporary tariff reprieve reflect a dynamic and evolving landscape in global trade relations, as the United States pursues a mix of protectionist measures and diplomatic engagement to reshape its trade frameworks.
