Trump Open to Lowering Tariffs—If Trade Partners ‘Give Us Something Good’
President Donald Trump said on April 3 that the sweeping tariffs he announced this week have put the U.S. in a dominant negotiating position—and made clear that any rollback would depend on what America gets in return.
“Every country is calling me. That’s the beauty of what we’re doing—we’re in control,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
His comments came a day after unveiling retaliatory tariffs on more than 180 U.S. trade partners, which rattled global markets and triggered a wave of international criticism. Under the executive order, roughly half of the targeted economies will face a flat 10% import tax starting April 5. Larger trade partners will be hit with a higher rate—up to 50%—beginning April 9. That gives countries less than a week to negotiate with the U.S. before the penalties kick in.
When asked if he would consider negotiating the tariffs down, Trump responded: “It depends. The tariffs only come down if they give us something good.”
The president didn’t specify what “something good” might be, but stressed that the tariff plan gives the U.S. enormous leverage.
“Before, if we asked for something, they said no. Now—they’ll do anything,” he said.
That approach marks a shift from previous messaging by senior officials like trade advisor Peter Navarro and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who said the tariffs were not intended to spark negotiations. The White House also initially stated the measures should not be viewed as bargaining chips.
But amid deepening market anxiety, Trump now appears open to striking individual deals.
Analysts warn that continued market turbulence could worsen if the administration doesn’t show flexibility.
“We hope these tariffs can be negotiated down and avoid a 1930s-style trade war,” said economist Ed Yardeni. “We’re counting on the art of the deal.”
Some administration officials have echoed that hope. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently urged countries not to retaliate, saying some tariffs could be avoided through bilateral talks.
“If you drop your tariffs to zero, we’ll do the same,” Bessent said in February.
For now, the world is watching to see who picks up the phone—and what they’re willing to offer.
(Sources: WSJ, WP, AP )
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