'I've made 200 deals': Trump compares the US to 'department store' where he controls prices

Ailia Zehra
25 April
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump attends Turning Point USA's AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S., December 22, 2024. REUTERS/Cheney Orr

President Donald Trump has said the United States has entered into 200 trade agreements, though he did not disclose who the partners are.In an interview with Time Magazine published Friday, Trump said, "I've made 200 deals."

The president's remarks come against the backdrop of an announcement made two weeks prior about a 90-day suspension of most of the extensive global tariffs he recently imposed, intended to encourage trade talks with various countries impacted by these severe tariffs. China is the sole country not covered by this 90-day pause.

“Now, some countries may come back and ask for an adjustment, and I’ll consider that,” Trump said.According to Time Magazine, the president refused to name the countries even after he was pressed by the interviewer.

ALSO READ: Trump's trade war hits the stock market — hard

While defending his controversial trade policies, Trump went on to compare the United States to a “department store” and countries as customers.

“And on behalf of the American people, I own the store, and I set prices, and I’ll say, if you want to shop here, this is what you have to pay,” he said.

Earlier this month, Peter Navarro, Trump's trade advisor, stated that it might be feasible to finalize 90 agreements during the 90-day tariff pause. However, the administration has not yet disclosed any trade deals.

On Thursday, former Bank of America strategist David Woo said Trump's tariff policy is much more than just a trade war, calling it "very combative."

"I think this is much more than just a trade war. I think this is war, actually," he said on the Odd Lost podcast.

ALSO READ: Why Trump’s 'radical' tariff proposals fail 'basic math': economics expert

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