Scott Bessent Says Trump’s Strategy Is Working as 75 Countries Enter Talks; India, Japan, South Korea Among Key Negotiation Partners
Washington DC, April 10: Amid escalating trade tensions, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday defended President Donald Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%, calling it a strong response to economic “bad actors” and an effort to correct global trade imbalances.
Speaking at a White House press briefing alongside Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Bessent emphasized that the aggressive move is not just about China, but about confronting broader patterns of trade manipulation.
“This is about bad actors. China remains the most imbalanced economy in modern history and is the single biggest source of the U.S.’s trade problems — and a problem for the rest of the world as well,” Bessent said.
He confirmed that negotiations are now underway with over 75 countries, many of them China’s neighbors, including India, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam. These countries are benefiting from a 90-day tariff “pause” and a reduced 10% reciprocal tariff, also announced by President Trump this week.
“President Trump’s strategy has worked,” Bessent declared. “He told the world: don’t retaliate and you’ll be rewarded. That has brought 75 countries to the table. And we’re now willing to negotiate from a 10% tariff baseline — unless you’re China.”
In contrast, China’s retaliatory move to raise tariffs on U.S. goods from 34% to 84% prompted Trump to impose the 125% tariff hike, characterizing it as a “necessary and courageous response.”
Bessent also noted that Trump is personally overseeing the new 90-day trade negotiation window, signaling the importance the administration places on reshaping global trade relations. While trade remains the focus, Bessent revealed that discussions have also expanded to energy cooperation, including a potential LNG project in Alaska with interest from Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also struck a combative tone, dismissing criticisms that the global community might pivot toward China. “You said the world would turn to China — but they’re all calling us,” she said. “President Trump is playing the long game and doing what’s right for the American worker.”
The escalating tariff war began with the US raising tariffs to 104%, prompting China’s retaliatory hike to 84%. Trump’s follow-up announcement raised tariffs again to 125%, with China’s actions triggering global concern over market volatility.