Nearly 70 countries have contacted the United States to initiate trade negotiations following the unveiling of new tariffs by former President Donald Trump. The announcement of the so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs has ignited a wave of diplomatic and economic activity as foreign governments seek to avoid steep import levies on their goods.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed the figure during an interview with Larry Kudlow on Fox Business, explaining that between “50, 60, maybe almost 70 countries” had reached out since the tariffs were announced. These nations are now vying for exemptions, reductions, or new bilateral trade agreements. “It’s going to be a busy April, May, maybe into June,” Bessent said, signaling that talks could stretch well into the summer.
Almost 70 countries have now approached us wanting to help rebalance global trade.
On behalf of @POTUS, I'm glad to join @USTradeRep to open talks with Japan as we work to enact the President’s vision for a new Golden Age of Global Trade.pic.twitter.com/PGUGjh7JkH
— Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) April 7, 2025
The tariffs, which start at a 10% baseline and can escalate significantly, are part of Trump’s broader effort to confront what his administration describes as decades of trade imbalances and foreign manipulation. Notably, Trump has issued a sharp warning to China, threatening to impose an additional 50% tariff if Beijing does not pull back its retaliatory measures.
The push for “reciprocity” is a central theme of the administration’s trade vision. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer named Argentina, Vietnam, and Israel as examples of countries interested in rebalancing trade relationships. These efforts are driven by concerns not only about tariff discrepancies but also about non-tariff practices that the administration deems exploitative.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a meeting with Trump at the White House, pledged to eliminate his country’s trade deficit with the United States. His statement comes as Israel, like Japan, faces tariffs that exceed the minimum threshold. Japan has responded quickly, dispatching what Bessent referred to as a “top team” to enter negotiations with U.S. officials.
“Japan is a very important military ally. They’re a very important economic ally. And, the U.S. has a lot of history with them,” Bessent noted. Because of their swift response, Japan is expected to receive early attention in the upcoming negotiation rounds.
Kudlow, who previously served as Trump’s economic adviser, praised the administration’s strategy of maximizing leverage before opening negotiations. “President Trump gave himself maximum negotiating leverage — and just when he has achieved the maximum leverage, he’s willing to start talking,” Bessent reiterated.
The developments underscore a renewed and aggressive stance on trade under Trump’s leadership. For years, U.S. industries have contended with foreign competition enabled by lopsided trade rules, weak enforcement, and political unwillingness to confront international partners. The current wave of outreach from other countries highlights the power of economic pressure when combined with strategic timing and a clear agenda. This is what leveraging American strength looks like — a president using tariffs not as a final measure, but as a tool to compel real reform.
