Clock’s ticking: Trump threatens new tariffs if trade talks stall

US President Donald Trump has reignited his aggressive trade stance, warning that over 150 countries must finalize trade agreements with the United States in the coming weeks or face steep new tariffs.

Speaking at a business roundtable in Abu Dhabi at the end of his Middle East tour, Trump made it clear that patience is wearing thin, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

“We have, at the same time, 150 countries that want to make a deal, but you’re not able to see that many countries,” he said.

“So at a certain point, over the next two to three weeks, I think Scott and Howard will be sending letters out, essentially telling people – we’ll be very fair – but we’ll be telling people what they’ll be paying to do business in the United States.”

The announcement marks a possible end to the 90-day pause on “reciprocal tariffs” Trump declared on April 9, which followed his declaration of “Liberation Day” on April 2. That pause was intended to allow for trade talks, but with slow progress, the administration appears ready to move forward unilaterally.

Trump reiterated this position, saying: “In the end, I think what’s going to happen is we’re going to have great deals, and by the way, if we don’t have a deal with a company or a country, we’re going to set the tariff”.

So far, the administration has reached two new trade frameworks — with the United Kingdom and China — which have led to reduced tariffs and trade barriers. Talks are ongoing with a dozen other countries, including India, Japan, and South Korea.

Still, uncertainty remains over whether the upcoming tariffs will replace or supplement the current baseline 10 per cent tariff on nearly all imports. Although some officials call this a “baseline,” Trump recently dismissed the notion, suggesting tariffs could exceed 10 per cent for most countries.

With average US tariff rates already at 13 per cent, according to Fitch Ratings, Trump has hinted that they could soar to 50 per cent within a year, declaring he would consider that “total victory.”

By Vafa Guliyeva