• The U.S. has set a deadline for countries to submit their best trade offers by June 4, 2025.
• This initiative is part of accelerating trade negotiations before tariffs take effect on July 8.
• Only one deal has been finalized so far, with Britain being more of a framework than a conclusive agreement.
• The U.S. is seeking commitments in various sectors, including tariffs, digital trade, and economic security.
• The legality of Trump's tariff measures is under scrutiny amid ongoing litigation.

The Trump administration demands countries provide their best trade offers by June 4, days before a pivotal self-imposed tariff deadline of July 8, according to a draft letter from the United States Trade Representative (USTR). This request reflects the urgency to conclude complex negotiations that began on April 9 when Trump paused "Liberation Day" tariffs for 90 days following market unrest. The administration has indicated that it is pushing for rapid results from ongoing discussions with partners including the European Union, Japan, Vietnam, and India, as officials aim to finalize agreements before tariffs are reinstated, according to Reuters and The Jakarta Post.

The urgency of the situation is underscored by White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt's confirmation that the USTR has communicated to trading partners about the upcoming deadline. Countries are asked to provide proposals on key areas such as tariffs and non-tariff barriers, as well as commitments related to digital trade and economic security, indicating the breadth of negotiations, according to India Times and South China Morning Post.

Despite claims of progress by senior officials such as White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett, only one formal agreement has been established with Britain, designed more as a framework for future discussions rather than a final resolution. The administration's strategy aims to counterbalance tariffs and meet revenue expectations amidst broader tax reform efforts, further complicating the landscape, according to Reuters.

However, legal challenges regarding Trump's tariff policies have arisen, raising questions about their legitimacy. A recent ruling by the Court of International Trade deemed that Trump had surpassed his authority with some of the tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This ruling, which affects previously implemented tariffs targeting Canada, Mexico, and China, has prompted an appeals court to halt its enforcement temporarily, leaving tariffs in effect during the ongoing legal disputes, according to The Jakarta Post and India Times.