The Trump administration is preparing to launch a new round of trade negotiations with 18 countries using a unified framework designed to speed up talks, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources familiar with the plan.
Spearheaded by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the initiative supports President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariff agenda by simplifying negotiations through a shared structure that covers key areas like tariffs, non-tariff barriers, digital trade, rules of origin, and economic security. While the broad framework remains consistent, each country will receive tailored demands based on bilateral interests.
“USTR is working under an organized and rigorous framework and moving ahead quickly with willing trading partners,” a spokesperson told WSJ. “President Trump and USTR have made U.S. objectives clear.”
Talks will unfold over the next two months in rolling waves, with around six countries entering negotiations each week in a three-week cycle, set to repeat until the July 8 deadline. Partners that don’t reach agreements by then could face reciprocal tariffs unless the current 90-day grace period is extended.
India is reportedly further ahead in the process, having reached broad terms during Vice President JD Vance’s visit to New Delhi. Meanwhile, Canada and Mexico are excluded, as the reciprocal tariff directive doesn’t apply to them, and China—subject to a 145% tariff—is negotiating separately.
Some partners, including the EU, are awaiting more detailed U.S. proposals. EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said Brussels had not yet received specific requests. Nonetheless, USTR insists the framework has been made clear.
Both the EU and UK are establishing non-negotiable positions: Brussels is unwilling to discuss VAT and farm subsidies, while London will not concede control over food and car safety standards.