President Trump’s trade strategy is emerging as a combination approach that balances tariff notification letters with bilateral deal-making. The president indicated that approximately 12-15 major trading partners would receive communications, with some getting deals instead of tariffs.
This combination strategy provides flexibility for different types of trading relationships while maintaining pressure on all partners to engage in negotiations. Countries that actively negotiate may receive favorable deals, while others may face standardized tariff increases.
The approach reflects Trump’s broader trade philosophy of using economic pressure to achieve diplomatic goals. By combining threats with opportunities, the administration maintains leverage while providing pathways for cooperative solutions.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s clarification about the August 1st implementation date provides structure for this combination approach. The extended timeline allows for completion of negotiations while maintaining credible threats for non-cooperative partners.
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