Finance & economics | A man of letters

The great dealmaker is conspicuously short of trade deals

Donald Trump issues threats—and grants deadline extensions

President Donald J Trump points as he speaks from the White House balcony
Photograph: Instar Images
|4 min read

The world’s trading system is now a reality-TV show. “We invite you to participate in the extraordinary Economy of the United States, the Number One Market in the World,” President Donald Trump proclaimed in letters dispatched to many of America’s partners on July 7th. Then he threatened them with tariffs set to take effect on August 1st: 25% for Japan and South Korea, 32% for Indonesia and 36% Thailand.

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