Negotiations: State of play

Reuters reports on Trump’s executive order offering tariff exemptions to countries with trade deals. Bloomberg describes the US-Japan deal, after the implementing order was published by the White House. Richard Katz in Japan Economy Watch says that Ishiba gives away the store to Trump. Per the Wall Street Journal, hundreds of allegedly illegal immigrants were arrested at a Hyundai investment in Georgia, calling into question South Korea’s pledged investments as part of its trade deal. Happymon Jacob in Foreign Affairs writes of the shocking rift between the US and India.

Mentioned publications

Trump signs order offering some tariff exemptions to countries with US trade deals – Reuters, September 5, 2025
Reuters covers Trump’s executive order granting tariff exemptions to trade partners. The move aims to reward aligned countries and reinforce bilateral deals. It reflects a selective approach to protectionism, balancing domestic interests with strategic alliances.
Trump Signs Order Sealing Japan Tariff Deal With 15% Rate – Bloomberg, September 5, 2025
Bloomberg details the US–Japan agreement, formalized with a 15% tariff rate. The deal underscores Trump’s transactional trade style, offering exemptions in exchange for concessions. It may set a precedent for future bilateral arrangements.
- Implementing The United States–Japan Agreement – The White House, September 4, 2025
Ishiba “Gives Away The Store” to Trump – Richard Katz, Japan Economy Watch, September 8, 2025
Richard Katz criticizes Japan’s concessions to Trump, arguing Ishiba compromised national interests. The article suggests Japan’s eagerness to preserve US ties led to disproportionate trade sacrifices.
Hundreds Arrested in Immigration Raid at Hyundai Site in Georgia – Timothy W. Martin, Ryan Felton, and Jiyoung Sohn, The Wall Street Journal, September 5, 2025
The Wall Street Journal reports a major immigration raid at a Hyundai site, casting doubt on South Korea’s investment pledges. The incident may strain US–Korea trade relations and complicate ongoing negotiations.
The Shocking Rift Between India and the United States – Happymon Jacob, Foreign Affairs, August 14, 2025
Happymon Jacob examines growing tensions between India and the US, citing strategic misalignments and trade frictions. The rift challenges the narrative of deepening Indo–US ties and may affect future cooperation.