90 Deals in 90 Days? Trump’s Trade War Is Failing on Its Own Terms
When President Donald Trump announced the “Liberation Day” tariffs on most imports in early April, his trade advisors promised it was the prelude to new, better trade deals with dozens of other countries.
“We’re going to run 90 deals in 90 days,” Peter Navarro, the White House’s top trade advisor, told Fox Business on April 12, shortly after Trump paused those tariffs—ostensibly to allow negotiations to take place.
It’s been 76 days since then, and there have not been 76 new trade deals. Not even close. The actual tally is two, and that’s only if you count the “framework” deals with China and the United Kingdom—neither of which amounts to a full trade deal at the moment.
On Thursday, the Trump administration officially backed down from the “90 deals in 90 days” posturing. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the early July deadline for re-implementing those paused tariffs was “not critical.” Whether the paused “Liberation Day” tariffs return in early July is “a decision for the president to make,” she added.
On Friday morning, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said trade negotiations will continue until at least September 1, effectively giving the administration an extra 60 days to deliver those 90 deals.
Of course, that also means the uncertainty of the trade war will continue for businesses that have to plan purchases more than a few months ahead.
What’s becoming more certain is that Trump’s second-term trade war has failed on its own terms. That’s evidently not only in the lack of new trade deals that have been delivered, but also in two other data points that crystallized this week.
First, data from the Commerce Department showed that America’s trade deficit—the gap between the value of all imports and all exports—widened to $96.6 billion in May. That’s an 11 percent increase over April. The main culprit in the growing trade d
Article from Reason.com
The Reason Magazine website is a go-to destination for libertarians seeking cogent analysis, investigative reporting, and thought-provoking commentary. Championing the principles of individual freedom, limited government, and free markets, the site offers a diverse range of articles, videos, and podcasts that challenge conventional wisdom and advocate for libertarian solutions. Whether you’re interested in politics, culture, or technology, Reason provides a unique lens that prioritizes liberty and rational discourse. It’s an essential resource for those who value critical thinking and nuanced debate in the pursuit of a freer society.
