Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Raimondo revealed that Trump’s team is actively working behind the scenes to finalize a set of trade frameworks that could be unveiled in early August. While she declined to specify which countries are involved, she confirmed that high-level talks with the EU and China remain ongoing.
“The former president is very focused on restoring fair trade practices,” Raimondo said. “He wants to see enforceable agreements that prioritize American jobs, innovation, and industry. August 1 is being discussed as a possible date to reveal new commitments.”
Although Trump holds no formal government position, his campaign has signaled a return to aggressive trade strategies if he wins the November election. His aides have been holding informal talks with international business leaders and foreign policy officials, exploring frameworks for tariffs, investment protections, and supply chain realignments.
Negotiations with the European Union are reportedly centered on digital services, green technology, and agricultural exports long-standing sticking points between Washington and Brussels. Meanwhile, dialogue with China remains more sensitive, with trade officials trying to navigate tariffs, market access, and rising geopolitical tensions.
“There’s momentum, but also complexity,” Raimondo added. “With China, the challenge is balancing economic engagement with strategic competition. With Europe, it’s about harmonizing standards while protecting key industries.”
The EU Commission has neither confirmed nor denied any imminent agreement, though sources in Brussels told European media outlets that discussions have “intensified” in recent weeks. Chinese officials, for their part, have expressed cautious optimism, calling for “mutual respect and constructive dialogue.”
Economists are watching closely as Trump floats a potential trade agenda built on “America First” principles, possibly including new tariffs on imports and incentives for reshoring U.S. manufacturing. Some analysts warn this could rattle markets and global supply chains, especially if Trump returns to the confrontational trade tactics of his previous term.
“Announcing trade deals in August would be politically strategic, giving Trump a boost before the Republican convention,” said Daniel Hogue, a senior trade policy analyst at the Atlantic Trade Forum. “But the substance of those deals — and whether partners will commit remains to be seen.”
For now, the prospect of a fresh wave of U.S. trade deals is adding a new layer of uncertainty to an already volatile global economy. Investors, manufacturers, and foreign capitals alike are bracing for what could be a defining moment in Trump’s campaign and possibly in the future direction of U.S. trade policy.