U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday announced that representatives from Pakistan would reach the United States next week to commence negotiations on a tariff deal.
As part of sweeping tariffs imposed on countries globally, the Trump administration had announced Pakistan faced a 29% tariff on its exports to the U.S. due to a $3 billion trade surplus. The tariffs are currently on pause, pending negotiations for a “deal.”
Trump’s announcement followed a press release from Pakistan’s Finance Ministry, which said formal negotiations on reciprocal tariffs between Washington and Islamabad had started with a phone call between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
The U.S. president said the talks with Pakistan were progressing parallel to talks with India, which he said was “very close” to a deal. However, he added, he would only make deals with the rival states if they remained at peace with each other. India, similar to Pakistan, faces 26% tariffs on exports to the U.S. due to its own trade surplus.
Earlier this month, the U.S. brokered a ceasefire between the two states after they came to the brink of war following Delhi launching airstrikes on several targets in Pakistan. In retaliation, Islamabad downed five Indian fighter jets and engaged in tit-for-tat strikes. Announcing the ceasefire, Trump said he had urged both states to end their conflict by promising them “very good” deals.