Kevin Hassett, Chairperson of the U.S. National Economic Council (NEC), said in a Fox Business interview on the 19th (local time) that the various trade negotiations ongoing in the United States are "very close to the finish line" and that "it would not be surprising if an agreement is reached this week or next week."
Regarding the negotiations with India, Hassett, the Commissioner, noted that "it's up to the negotiators" but added that "India has acknowledged points that were disadvantageous to American workers in the past and is showing a very open attitude to achieve significant progress."
He continued, "We hope that India will become a good negotiation model for other countries in Asia" and expressed hope that India can produce positive outcomes in negotiations with the United States.
In this context, President Donald Trump also mentioned the trade relationship with India during his recent visit to the Middle East. Trump stated, "It is very difficult to sell products in India," adding, "However, India is literally offering us no tariffs."
Meanwhile, questions also arose in the interview regarding negotiations with China. When the host pointed out that "China exhibits a dual attitude by responding to tariff negotiations while maintaining export restrictions on rare earth elements," Hassett, the Commissioner, emphasized, "We will closely monitor whether China actually fulfills the commitments made in the negotiations."
Additionally, in relation to the recent downgrade by Moody's, the international credit rating agency, Hassett, the Commissioner, strongly asserted the safety of U.S. government bonds. He stated, "Let me be clear, U.S. bonds are the safest bet on Earth" and emphasized, "No country is more preferred than the United States."
He also pointed out regarding Moody's downgrade decision that "this is an evaluation of the past and a punishment for the indiscriminate spending during the Biden administration." He emphasized, "Currently, we are reducing expenditures, relaxing regulations, and achieving growth from the supply side."
Hassett, the Commissioner, expressed confidence in the overall economy, stating, "The United States has every reason to become the best economy in the world."