Pause in tariff tensions: Musk and Bessent's initiatives spark talks with partners

On April 10, 2025, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced his meeting with Vietnam's Vice Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc. This marked the beginning of official talks between Washington and Hanoi on mutual trade.

Vietnam was among the first countries to negotiate trade with the United States. The very next day, representatives of Taiwan held their first tariff negotiations with U.S. officials.

According to Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, the US administration already has trade proposals from 15 countries.

In general, the White House plans to negotiate the specifics of the future tariff policy with more than 75 governments, with Minister Bessent playing a leading role.