Washington, D.C.: U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed the United States is pursuing "potential" trade agreements with three key Indo-Pacific nations — India, Japan, and South Korea — while noticeably omitting Australia from the immediate list of partners.
Speaking during a NewsNation town hall on Wednesday (U.S. time), President Trump revealed that while the deals are progressing, he is in no rush to make them public. “It can wait two weeks,” he said, hinting at a strategic timeline for formal announcements.
The comments come as Trump marks his 100th day back in the Oval Office. During this milestone week, his administration signaled a new direction for America’s trade policy, placing emphasis on bilateral ties in Asia.
On Tuesday, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick added fuel to speculation by declaring on CNBC, “I have a deal — done, done, done, done.” However, Lutnick declined to name the country involved, stating he was waiting for the partner nation’s prime minister and parliament to approve the agreement.
President Trump also acknowledged that Australia had reached out regarding trade discussions. “Australia has been calling,” he said. “But I haven’t spoken to them yet.”
The revelation is expected to raise concerns in Canberra, which has traditionally shared a strong and stable trade relationship with the U.S., particularly under previous administrations. As Washington’s trade priorities shift, Australia may find itself navigating a more complex diplomatic path to secure new agreements.
The announcement reinforces Trump’s renewed focus on leveraging strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, while also keeping global markets guessing on timing and scope.
