America pledged 90 trade deals in 90 days. So far, it has delivered just two. The race to reshape global trade was launched with urgency. But halfway through, promises have outpaced progress, and the rest of the world is still waiting.
On May 11th, as U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met Chinese officials in Switzerland, dozens of other countries were left in limbo. Many had flown to Washington for talks. Some found their meetings delayed. Others were simply cancelled.
One diplomat, ready with detailed proposals on beef rules and currency policy, ended up visiting the Air and Space Museum. He left, in his words, “about as empty-handed as before.”
The U.S. had promised 90 trade deals in 90 days. The countdown began on April 9th, when tariffs were paused across the board. The deadline is July 8th. But over a third of the way through, just two deals have been signed — one with Britain, the other with China.
Both reduced tariffs. Neither delivered major gains.
The rest of the world is waiting. Eighty-eight countries are caught in a queue that keeps shifting. A few get close. Then fall back. The White House’s message is clear: delay the talks, and you lose your spot.
About 20 countries have been prioritised. Some are major trading partners like Japan, the EU, and Vietnam. Others — like Fiji or Argentina — made the list for strategic or personal reasons. But no ranking is stable.
Japan started near the top. Then its prime minister criticised the process. India took its place, but moved too slowly. Now India is threatening to tighten exports to the U.S.
Switzerland, after hosting Bessent over the weekend, was suddenly bumped up. The EU, meanwhile, remains stuck at the bottom. Trump once called the bloc “nastier than China.” Bessent’s explanation was more diplomatic: “The Italians want something different from the French.”
First: no country stays in focus for long.
Trade deals take years. This sprint is different. The U.S. believes speed is leverage. If one country slows down, they move to the next.
Second: China shadows every negotiation.
The U.K.’s deal upset Beijing. Under its terms, America gets a say in who owns British steel plants. China sees that as interference. Japan worried too. Most partners are being asked, “What are you doing about China?”
Third: small disputes cause big delays.
Britain complained about American beef. The U.S. asked Japan to open its rice market. In Thailand, charges were dropped against a jailed American academic — right before trade talks resumed.
The original goal won’t be met. Ninety deals in ninety days was always ambitious. Still, more agreements will come. And countries are now hoping for the tariff pause to be extended beyond July.
But Trump also wants to prove he means business. That means some countries may face penalties — just to send a message.
At this point, few are racing to the front.
Most are simply trying not to be left behind.
Ukrainian and Russian negotiators agreed in Istanbul to resume talks aimed at a ceasefire and to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war.
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay official visits to Hungary and Slovenia from May 19 to 22, holding talks with top leaders and participating in key bilateral and multilateral events.
Ukraine and Russia agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each, following their first direct peace talks in over three years held in Istanbul.
Ten Baltic Sea NATO states and the EU signed a memorandum to enhance cooperation on protecting critical underwater infrastructure.
The World Bank has approved a $100 million concessional loan to Uzbekistan to help integrate renewable energy into power grids and enhance electricity reliability in key regions. The national grid operator will contribute an additional $50 million to the five-year program.
Ukrainian and Russian negotiators agreed in Istanbul to resume talks aimed at a ceasefire and to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war.
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay official visits to Hungary and Slovenia from May 19 to 22, holding talks with top leaders and participating in key bilateral and multilateral events.
Ukraine and Russia agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each, following their first direct peace talks in over three years held in Istanbul.
Ten Baltic Sea NATO states and the EU signed a memorandum to enhance cooperation on protecting critical underwater infrastructure.
The World Bank has approved a $100 million concessional loan to Uzbekistan to help integrate renewable energy into power grids and enhance electricity reliability in key regions. The national grid operator will contribute an additional $50 million to the five-year program.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on May 15, with discussions reportedly focusing on upcoming peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegates in Istanbul.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war in Gaza will not stop until Hamas is destroyed, following the release of US-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander.
Qatar signed a landmark agreement with U.S. aerospace giant Boeing on Wednesday to acquire 160 aircraft for Qatar Airways, a deal valued at $200 billion. The signing took place in Doha during the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ukrainian and Russian delegations meet behind closed doors at Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace at 10:00 local time today to explore security guarantees, territorial integrity and a possible ceasefire.
Ukrainian and Russian negotiators agreed in Istanbul to resume talks aimed at a ceasefire and to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war.
Ukraine and Russia agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each, following their first direct peace talks in over three years held in Istanbul.
Ten Baltic Sea NATO states and the EU signed a memorandum to enhance cooperation on protecting critical underwater infrastructure.
The sixth European Political Community summit opens this Friday in Tirana, Albania, bringing together 47 heads of state and EU institutions—alongside Türkiye, the UK, Norway, Switzerland and Ukraine—to forge unified strategies on European security, defense and continued support for Ukraine.
U.S. President Donald Trump wrapped up his visit to Abu Dhabi on May 16, announcing a landmark deal between the United States and the UAE that will allow the Gulf nation to purchase advanced artificial intelligence semiconductors from U.S. companies, marking a significant step in their strategic par
Ukrainian and Russian negotiators agreed in Istanbul to resume talks aimed at a ceasefire and to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war.
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay official visits to Hungary and Slovenia from May 19 to 22, holding talks with top leaders and participating in key bilateral and multilateral events.
Ukraine and Russia agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each, following their first direct peace talks in over three years held in Istanbul.
Ten Baltic Sea NATO states and the EU signed a memorandum to enhance cooperation on protecting critical underwater infrastructure.
The World Bank has approved a $100 million concessional loan to Uzbekistan to help integrate renewable energy into power grids and enhance electricity reliability in key regions. The national grid operator will contribute an additional $50 million to the five-year program.
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