Reciprocal Tariffs, China, and Trade Deals — What Trump's Latest Interview Says

President Donald Trump addressed the pause of reciprocal tariffs, trade talks with China, and his broader agenda to secure deals with U.S. trading partners — offering both firm rhetoric and signs of possible exemptions in a wide-ranging interview with Time magazine published Friday.

The president denied that recent bond market volatility influenced his decision to delay the full implementation of his proposed reciprocal tariffs. "I wasn't worried," he said, dismissing concerns that April's market turmoil—triggered by his "Liberation Day" announcement of sweeping 10% tariffs—led to the temporary pause.

Instead, he framed the 90-day delay as a strategic move to allow more time for negotiations. "I'm doing that until we come up with the numbers that I want to come up with," he said. "I've met with a lot of countries. I've talked on the telephone. I don't even want them to come in."

Despite the bond market's sharp reaction, Trump maintained confidence. "The bond market was getting the yips, but I wasn't. Because I know what we have," he added.

When asked whether he would still consider it a success if tariffs as high as 50% remained in place a year from now, Trump responded, "Total victory."

Regarding China, Trump said President Xi had recently called him—despite Beijing's public denial of any ongoing negotiations. "He's called. And I don't think that's a sign of weakness on his behalf," Trump claimed. China's Foreign Ministry, however, urged Washington to stop "misleading the public" about the status of bilateral talks.

Trump also said he expects to finalize trade deals with U.S. partners within "three to four weeks." While he left the door open to potential adjustments, he signaled confidence in wrapping up negotiations quickly. "Some countries may come back and ask for an adjustment, and I'll consider that," he noted. "But I'll basically be, with great knowledge, setting—ready.

Meanwhile, Trump expressed ambitions beyond trade, forecasting that Saudi Arabia would join the Abraham Accords and expressing openness to a U.S. deal with Iran. On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he controversially stated that "Crimea will stay with Russia," claiming that "everybody understands that."