Washington: White House Spokeswoman Carolyn Levitt announced that around 70 countries have reached out to the United States, aiming to initiate talks to alleviate the effects of President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Levitt informed reporters that Washington is open to concluding agreements that benefit American workers and address the persistent trade deficit. President Trump has instructed his team to develop “tailor-made agreements” for each interested nation.

This development comes as US officials work to justify the comprehensive tariffs that have caused global concern. Two days prior, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett mentioned that over 50 countries had already contacted the White House for trade discussions. Hassett, a senior economic advisor to President Trump, refuted claims that the tariffs were intended to disrupt financial markets or pressure the Federal Reserve into lowering interest rates.

The announcement of sweeping tariffs on US imports by Trump last Wednesday led to retaliatory measures by China, heightening fears of a global trade war and potential economic recession.