Nearly 70 countries have reached out after President Donald Trump unveiled his “Liberation Day” tariffs last week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday.
That estimate comes after Bessent and other Trump administration officials stated over the weekend that more than 50 nations had contacted the United States to initiate negotiations on trade.
“I can tell you that there are 50, 60, maybe almost 70 countries now who have approached us,” Bessent said during an interview with Larry Kudlow on Fox Business.
Bessent went on to suggest that discussion with other countries could drag on for months, stating, “It’s going to be a busy April, May, maybe into June.”
Dozens of foreign nations are facing a tariff baseline of 10% and, in some cases, much higher rates as part of the “Liberation Day” tariffs Trump announced last week at the White House.
Trump has shown a willingness to escalate, warning China he would impose a 50% additional levy if the country does not withdraw its retaliatory tariff.