Trade Agreements & Negotiations - South Korea agreed to 15% tariffs and will purchase a substantial amount of US energy and invest in the US [3][4] - The US removed many trade and non-tariff barriers with South Korea, expecting increased exports [5][6] - The US is in negotiations with India, but is frustrated with their slow progress and purchase of sanctioned Russian oil [7][8] China Trade Discussions - US and China met for two full days in Stockholm, led by Vice Premier Julie Fun [9][10] - The US believes there are the makings of a deal with China, though some technical details remain [11][12] - The US disputes claims that China gained leverage in negotiations through rare earth mineral export controls [13][14][15] Geopolitical & Economic Context - Negotiations with China are complex due to it being both the largest economic and military rival [16][17]

Trade Policy Stance - The previous administration utilized tariffs and the threat of tariffs, primarily targeting China, to encourage behavioral changes with the ultimate goal of reducing trade barriers and expanding trade [1] - The speaker advocates for "free trade with free nations" and a firm stance against trade abusers like China, emphasizing the objective of lowering trade barriers for American prosperity [2] Concerns Regarding Current Policy - The speaker expresses concern that the current administration's broad-based industrial policy, which was paused recently, could ultimately harm the American economy and consumers [1]