Trump administration to launch streamlined trade talks with 18 nations

Trump plans streamlined trade talks with 18 countries.

The United States is set to launch staggered trade negotiations using a new framework that outlines common terms for many trading partners, The Wall Street Journal has reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The initiative, led by the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) office, aims to streamline the negotiation process over President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariff policy.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the USTR's template divides talks into several broad categories: tariffs and quotas, non-tariff barriers such as regulatory hurdles, digital trade, rules of origin, economic security, and other commercial issues. While the broad structure will be common, specific demands will be tailored for each country.

“USTR is working under an organised and rigorous framework and moving ahead quickly with willing trading partners,” a USTR spokeswoman told the Journal. “President Trump and USTR have made U.S. objectives clear, and our trading partners have a very good sense of what they can each individually offer.”

The U.S. aims to conduct negotiations with around 18 major trading partners over the next two months in rolling cycles. According to the WSJ, six nations are expected to enter talks each week in a three-week rotation, repeating until the administration's self-imposed deadline of July 8. Countries unable to reach agreements by then may face reciprocal tariffs unless Trump extends the current 90-day pause.

India appears further along than others, having agreed to broad terms during Vice President JD Vance’s recent visit to New Delhi, The Wall Street Journal reported. However, major partners such as Mexico and Canada are excluded, as Trump’s reciprocal tariff directive does not apply to them. China, which faces separate 145% tariffs, is also on a different negotiation path.

While Washington has received 18 trade proposals, the Journal notes that some partners are still awaiting specific U.S. demands. EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis told the Journal the bloc was yet to see detailed requests. The USTR, however, insists that its framework has been communicated.

Meanwhile, the EU and UK are setting red lines. Brussels has ruled out talks on its value-added tax and agricultural subsidies, while London insists food and automotive safety standards remain under national control.