The Trump administration expects to conclude initial tariff deals with some US trading partners within weeks, but negotiations with India are not “finish-line close” and no official talks with China are under way, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Wednesday.
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Greer told Fox News Channel that the Trump administration is focused on “targeted” deals aimed at increased market access for US exports, reducing tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers, and enhancing US economic security.
“I would say that we have deals that are, that are close,” Greer said. “As the negotiator, I don’t like to negotiate in public, but I will say we’re talking about a matter of weeks and not months, to have some initial deals announced.”
In recent days, Trump officials have said that a deal with one key unnamed trading partner had been reached but needs approval by the country’s parliament and prime minister.
Asked whether a deal with India was imminent, Greer said it was not “finish-line close, but I have a standing call with India’s trade minister”. He also cited frequent US-India meetings in recent days.
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Greer said he would meet representatives from Japan, Guyana and Saudi Arabia on Thursday and the Philippines on Friday and is working closely with South Korea and Britain.