Customs duties: final negotiations before Donald Trump's axe

Hope of obtaining ever more by multiplying arbitrary decisions and back-and-forths? A taste for suspense? Donald Trump continues his game aimed at forcing the United States' trading partners to bend. On Monday, almost every country on the planet was in a state of uncertainty and awaiting his dictates. And in a state of confusion fueled by Washington's sometimes contradictory announcements.

The US president said the United States was close to finalizing agreements with some trading partners. He also announced that he would send a first batch of 12 to 15 letters to as many trading partners on Monday, mentioning the surcharge he plans to impose on their products entering the US. On Monday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned both " 18 major partners " and announcements in the next 48 hours. Washington also indicated that around 100 other countries would receive letters by...