US May Make New Trade Deals With India, Japan

Washington's deal with London was the first step in a series of potential trade agreements. The media is calling it more symbolic and framework, but the White House has also indicated interest in negotiations with India and Japan. At the same time, the basic principles of a future deal have already been agreed upon with New Delhi

India and Japan may be the next countries after Great Britain with which the United States will conclude a trade agreement, Reuters reported, citing sources. Stock and commodity markets have generally reacted positively to the deal with London, which Trump announced on May 8. However, the media notes that the agreement with the British is the easiest part of the work to restore trade. It will be much more difficult to reach an agreement with China.

"One deal in, 199 to go." That's how CNN's report on the US trade talks with the world begins. However, the channel calls the deal announced by Trump and confirmed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer more of a framework agreement. The US and UK will continue to consult on specific issues of mutual trade for several more months, and perhaps longer, CNN suggests.

The British BBC (the site is blocked in Russia) in turn notes that there are practically no details of the "full and comprehensive" agreement, as Trump described it. It is only known that the US President promised to reduce duties on British cars from 27.5% to 10% and to zero out tariffs on steel and aluminum.

It was easiest for Trump to reach an agreement with the British. At the same time, the deal that the US president solemnly announced on May 8, when Western allies celebrate Victory Day, is more of a symbolic meaning, says Konstantin Simonov, professor at the Financial University:

Konstantin Simonov, professor at the Financial University

The main US trading partners in the New World are Canada and Mexico, which, by the way, were the first to fall under Trump's tariffs. It may be easier for him to negotiate with them than with Europe.

As for the Europeans, first of all, it is necessary to understand with whom to negotiate. Thus, the new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has already stated that the US will not be able to conduct trade negotiations with the EU countries separately. But for the US itself, it is most important to conclude an agreement with Germany, which has a large surplus in trade with the US - about 70 billion euros.

The US has an even greater imbalance in trade with China. At the same time, Beijing has not yet demonstrated a willingness to make serious concessions. CNN notes that the trade deal with the British can hardly be called a good starting position for preparing a similar agreement with China. True, trade negotiations between the US and China will begin in Geneva, Switzerland, this weekend. But one should not expect too much from them yet, says Lev Sokolshchik, a leading research fellow at the HSE Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies:

Lev Sokolshchik , Leading Research Fellow, Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies, HSE

It looks like India may indeed be the next country with which the United States will conclude a trade agreement. During a recent visit to India, US Vice President J.D. Vance said that the countries had agreed on the basic principles of a future deal. Vance also noted that Washington intends to help New Delhi develop its natural resources, including offshore natural gas and minerals.