U.S. Eyes New Trade Deals Amid Global Tensions Over Trump Tariffs

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Tuesday that new international trade agreements could be finalized by week’s end, following President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff proposal. Speaking on Fox News’ "Special Report," Rollins noted that 70 countries had already reached out to begin discussions.

Trump recently announced a 10% baseline tariff on all U.S. imports, with significantly higher duties targeting several key trading partners. The move triggered a sharp response from China, which imposed retaliatory tariffs. In turn, the U.S. stated that 104% tariffs on Chinese goods would go into effect shortly after midnight Tuesday, escalating global trade tensions.

Despite the turmoil, the Trump administration is moving quickly to engage in negotiations with affected nations. Talks are already scheduled with South Korea and Japan, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is expected to visit Washington next week.

"I believe we’ll be hearing about new deals, perhaps by the end of the week," Rollins said, expressing optimism despite market unease.

Global markets have reacted sharply. U.S. stocks fell for the fourth consecutive day on Tuesday, reflecting investor anxiety over the tariff-driven shakeup of international trade. Economists warn that the aggressive trade stance could spark a global recession and disrupt long-standing trade relationships.

The administration’s approach has rattled U.S. allies and trading partners, many of whom are seeking exemptions or new agreements. As negotiations ramp up, the world is watching closely to see if Trump’s strategy leads to favorable deals or deeper economic fallout.

Rollins’ comments suggest Washington is open to compromise, even as tensions remain high. With dozens of countries expressing interest in talks, this week may prove pivotal in reshaping global trade dynamics.