Trump Teases “Major Trade Deal” Ahead of US-China Talks This Week

US President Donald Trump hints at a landmark agreement with a “highly respected country” as Washington prepares for critical trade negotiations with China in Geneva.

Washington | May 8, 2025 —
US President Donald Trump has stoked anticipation by teasing a “very, very big announcement” related to a major trade deal, set to be unveiled Thursday morning at the White House. The announcement, which Trump claims concerns a “big and highly respected country,” comes just days before high-stakes US-China trade talks begin in Geneva.

Also Read: Alphabet Stock Plunges 7%, Loses $150 Billion in Value as Apple Eyes AI Search for Safari

“Big News Conference tomorrow morning at 10:00 A.M., The Oval Office, concerning a MAJOR TRADE DEAL WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF A BIG, AND HIGHLY RESPECTED, COUNTRY. THE FIRST OF MANY!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

While Trump has not officially named the country involved, trade agreements with India, the UK, South Korea, and Japan have been in the pipeline according to past statements from the administration. The president also described the upcoming announcement as “very positive” and “one of the most important” in recent years.

Also Read: Gold Prices at MCX, May 8: Check Latest Rates in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad & Kolkata

Trump’s “Dealmaker” Strategy

Since taking office, Trump has positioned himself as the “dealmaker-in-chief,” often using aggressive tariffs and economic pressure to reshape US trade relations. His administration’s protectionist policies have disrupted global trade flows but have also yielded new agreements with several nations.

Also Read: US Fed Holds Rates Steady at 4.25–4.50%, Powell Cites Inflation and Uncertainty Amid Trade Tensions

This announcement may mark a strategic signal ahead of the more fraught US-China negotiations set to take place this weekend.

US-China Trade War: Geneva Talks Ahead

Trump’s declaration arrives on the heels of worsening trade tensions with China. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and chief trade negotiator Jamieson Greer are scheduled to meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Geneva — a neutral venue chosen to ease diplomatic tensions.

The talks aim to address tit-for-tat tariffs that have surged to over 100% on both sides, a situation Bessent recently described as “bordering on a trade embargo.” Sources say the Geneva agenda will include:

• Tariff rollback proposals
• Export control frameworks
• Review of Trump’s recent decision to end de minimis exemptions for low-value imports

The ripple effects of the ongoing trade conflict — including disruptions in supply chains, market volatility, and global economic slowdown concerns — have added urgency to the negotiations.

What to Watch For

While it remains to be seen which country the surprise announcement involves, analysts believe it could either serve as:

• A confidence-building measure before engaging Beijing; or
• A tactical diversion to show American leadership in global trade amid economic turmoil

All eyes will now be on Thursday’s 10 AM press conference at the Oval Office and the Geneva talks over the weekend.

---

Tags:

Donald Trump, US-China Trade War, Trade Deal, Geneva Talks, US Foreign Policy, Tariffs, Oval Office Announcement, Trump Administration, Global Economy, India-US Trade, UK-US Relations, South Korea, Japan Trade Deal, He Lifeng, Scott Bessent, Jamieson Greer