The Trump administration is urging its trade partners to submit their "best offers" on key trade issues by Wednesday, Reuters reported quoting a draft letter from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
The push comes as Washington seeks to conclude ongoing negotiations with several countries before a self-imposed deadline just five weeks away.
The draft underscores a sense of urgency within the administration to deliver tangible results before the deadline. While White House officials have said several agreements are close, only one has been finalised so far—with the UK. Even that deal is seen more as a framework than a comprehensive agreement.
The draft letter calls on partner countries to provide their best proposals across several areas, including tariff and quota commitments for US industrial and agricultural goods, the removal of non-tariff barriers, and pledges on digital trade and economic security. Country-specific commitments are also being sought.
Once the proposals are received, the US is expected to review them within days and respond with a “possible landing zone” that could include reciprocal tariff terms, the document notes.
While it is not clear which countries have received the letter, sources indicate that it is being sent to those with whom active negotiations are already under way—such as the European Union, Japan, Vietnam and India.
A USTR spokesperson confirmed that discussions were progressing. “Productive negotiations with many key trading partners continue at a rapid pace. It is in all parties’ interest to take stock of progress and assess any next steps,” the official said.
Despite the administration’s forward momentum, questions remain over the legality of Trump’s approach. Last Wednesday, the US Court of International Trade ruled that Trump had exceeded his authority by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose sweeping tariffs—including the “Liberation Day” duties and earlier levies targeting Canada, Mexico and China over allegations related to fentanyl trafficking.
However, a federal appeals court temporarily stayed that ruling less than 24 hours later, meaning the tariffs will remain in place for now.
The draft letter makes clear that the administration intends to press ahead with the tariff programme regardless of legal hurdles.
The coming weeks could prove pivotal for Trump’s trade agenda, as Washington attempts to finalise deals amid legal uncertainty and political pressure to deliver tangible economic wins.