Negotiations with Japan, Korea, Thailand stall despite 90‑day tariff truce.
Efforts to revive U.S. trade agreements have hit a major roadblock, as only three tentative deals materialized during a recent 90-day tariff pause instituted by the Trump administration . Talks with Japan, Korea, and Thailand faltered amid protectionist pressure, agricultural concerns, and digital-security demands.
In Japan, rice import restrictions and domestic election cycles have stalled negotiations. South Korea’s proposed tech regulations could exclude American giants like Meta and Google, drawing criticism from Washington. Meanwhile, Thailand’s cautious agricultural lobby demands safeguard measures to protect local farmers.
Complicating matters further is China’s indirect impact on these discussions. Even with a tariff pause until mid-August, the rerouting of Chinese goods via Vietnam through transshipment tactics has introduced strategic uncertainty .
Trade experts warn that such “geoeconomic” battles—using tariffs and investment as geopolitical tools—are shifting the global trade landscape toward long-term complexity, not quick resolutions.
I’m Adedayo Obadina
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