Will Trump Negotiate Tariffs? JD Vance Says President Wants To ‘Rebalance Global Trade’—But No Deals Reached Yet

Forbes - Apr 22nd, 2025
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President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day pause on his sweeping tariffs, reducing them to a 10% baseline for most countries, while maintaining a 145% tariff on Chinese imports. This temporary pause has enabled the White House to enter trade negotiations with over 75 countries seeking to reach mutually beneficial agreements. Vice President JD Vance is leading the negotiations, having traveled to India to discuss trade terms, while other nations like Japan, South Korea, and the European Union are also in talks with the Trump administration. Despite these efforts, no final agreements have been reached yet, and some countries, including Japan and the UK, remain cautious about conceding to U.S. demands without securing their national interests.

The significance of these negotiations lies in the potential reshaping of global trade dynamics. Trump's aggressive tariff policy initially caused economic turmoil, but the temporary pause offers a window for diplomatic resolutions. The administration's 'America First' trade policy has prompted mixed reactions, with some countries actively engaging in negotiations while others, like China, remain unyielding. The outcome of these talks could have far-reaching implications on international trade relations, potentially stabilizing markets and affecting global economic growth. As the 90-day deadline approaches, the pressure mounts on all parties involved to finalize agreements that balance national interests with collaborative economic benefits.

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RATING

5.6
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the Trump administration's trade negotiations following a pause on tariffs. It covers a timely and relevant topic with significant public interest, offering insights into the administration's strategies and the responses of various countries. However, the article's accuracy and reliability are affected by the lack of direct source citations and reliance on unnamed sources. While it attempts to present multiple perspectives, it leans slightly towards the U.S. administration's narrative, with less emphasis on dissenting views. The dense presentation of information and lack of clear distinctions between confirmed facts and speculative claims impact its readability and engagement potential. Despite these challenges, the article effectively highlights the controversy surrounding the administration's trade policies and their potential impact on global trade dynamics.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story presents a detailed account of the Trump administration's trade negotiations following a pause on tariffs. It accurately reports on the 90-day pause on tariffs and the prioritization of trade deals with countries like Japan, India, and others. However, some claims, such as the exact status of negotiations with specific countries and the precise terms of the tariffs, require further verification. The story mentions a 10% baseline tariff for most countries, with a higher rate for China, which aligns with known facts, but the details of ongoing negotiations and the specific countries involved need more corroboration. Furthermore, statements attributed to officials like JD Vance and economic adviser Kevin Hassett are presented without direct quotes, making it difficult to verify their accuracy fully. Overall, while the article provides a comprehensive overview, some elements lack precise sourcing or direct confirmation.

6
Balance

The article attempts to present multiple perspectives on the trade negotiations, including viewpoints from the U.S. administration and various foreign leaders. It highlights both the U.S. perspective and the concerns of countries like Japan, the UK, and China. However, the article leans slightly towards the U.S. administration's narrative, particularly in framing the tariff pause as a strategic move by Trump to rebalance global trade. The voices of foreign leaders are included but are less prominent, and their concerns are not explored in as much depth. The article could benefit from a more balanced representation of the potential negative impacts of the tariffs on global economies and more in-depth coverage of dissenting opinions from international stakeholders.

6
Clarity

The article is generally clear in its presentation of the key facts and developments regarding the trade negotiations. It provides a logical structure, beginning with the overview of the tariff pause and then detailing the status of negotiations with various countries. However, the article's dense presentation of information and the lack of clear distinctions between confirmed facts and speculative claims can make it difficult for readers to discern the most critical points. The inclusion of numerous countries and their respective negotiation statuses adds complexity, which may overwhelm some readers. Simplifying the presentation and providing clearer distinctions between confirmed facts and ongoing developments could enhance clarity.

5
Source quality

The article references statements from U.S. officials and foreign leaders but lacks direct citations or links to primary sources, such as official statements or press releases. The reliance on anonymous sources for some claims, such as the priorities in negotiations, raises questions about the reliability of the information. The absence of direct quotes from key figures like JD Vance or Kevin Hassett also affects the credibility of the reported statements. While the article provides a broad overview of the situation, the lack of clearly attributed sources and the use of unnamed sources diminish the overall reliability of the information presented.

4
Transparency

The article provides limited transparency regarding the sources of its information and the methodology used to gather it. While it outlines the key facts and claims about the trade negotiations, it does not disclose the basis for these claims or provide insights into the sources' credibility. The use of anonymous sources and the lack of direct quotes from officials reduce the transparency of the reporting. Additionally, the article does not clarify the potential biases or conflicts of interest that may affect the perspectives presented, particularly those of the U.S. administration and its officials.

Sources

  1. https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/04/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-declares-national-emergency-to-increase-our-competitive-edge-protect-our-sovereignty-and-strengthen-our-national-and-economic-security/
  2. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/regulating-imports-with-a-reciprocal-tariff-to-rectify-trade-practices-that-contribute-to-large-and-persistent-annual-united-states-goods-trade-deficits/
  3. https://www.tradecomplianceresourcehub.com/2025/04/18/trump-2-0-tariff-tracker/
  4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tariffs_in_the_second_Trump_administration
  5. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/20/burgum-mining-tariff-negotiations-china-00300233