Over 50 Countries Seek Trade Negotiations with White House After Tariff Implementation

More than 50 countries have contacted the Trump administration to negotiate trade deals following the implementation of a new 10 percent baseline tariff on all US trading partners. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett stated that these countries recognize the financial burden of the tariffs and are seeking discussions to mitigate their impact. The tariffs, which have significantly affected global markets, are set to increase for nations with unfavorable trade balances, with the EU facing a 20 percent tariff and China potentially seeing rates as high as 54 percent. In contrast, Elon Musk recently advocated for a zero-tariff trade agreement between the U.S. and Europe, suggesting this could lead to a more robust free trade zone. Hassett dismissed claims that the tariffs were a strategy to force the Federal Reserve into lowering interest rates, emphasizing that the administration is open to negotiations. The announcement of these tariffs has sparked global market tensions and reactions from affected nations.