Article content“He wants to show that he’s not just kicking the can down the road on the deadline, but that he means business,” she told AFP.Article content“He’s likely frustrated that there isn’t a parade of deals coming in.”Article content– ‘Politically complicated’ –Article content“The shift in his rhetoric from ‘there is no cost — the foreigners pay the tariffs’ to ‘there is a short term cost, but there will be a long term gain’ has put him in a more politically complicated position,” said William Reinsch, senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.Article contentTrump has repeatedly claimed that foreign countries foot the bill for tariffs, although the reality is more complicated with US companies generally paying them.Article content“In the public’s mind, the tariffs are the pain, and the agreements will be the gain,” said Reinsch, a former US commerce official.Article contentHe warned that without trade agreements, Americans could conclude Trump’s strategy was flawed and deem his tactics a failure.Article contentArticle contentWhile the 90-deal goal was probably unrealistic, Reinsch said, “it’s clear that three (UK, China, Vietnam) with only one actual text made public (UK) is too small.”Article content– Deflecting attention –Article contentMeanwhile, Trump has announced a 50 percent levy on copper imports starting August 1.Article contentCommerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said officials would also conclude investigations into semiconductors and pharmaceuticals — which could lead to tariffs — at month-end.Article content“That timing is not coincidental — it lines up with the new deadline of August 1, adding more pressure and deflecting attention from any lack of deals that get made in that time frame,” Manak said.Article contentAnalysts believe Trump’s supporters will likely not pay much attention to trade talks unless the tariffs fuel inflation.Article content“Trade policy is not top-of-mind for the average voter,” said Emily Benson, head of strategy at Minerva Technology Futures.Article contentShe expects the Trump administration’s focus on boosting US manufacturing and reinvigorating the defense industrial base means it could be willing to bear some political heat to achieve those objectives.Article contentBut it’s a delicate balance.Article contentVoters will likely pay more attention if Trump follows through on his August tariff threats, Manak said.Article content“And we could see a negative market reaction as well, which would not go unnoticed.”Article content© 2025 AFPArticle content
Trump’s dealmaker name on the line in high stakes tariff talks
