U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Pakistani officials will visit the United States next week to discuss potential trade agreements, as Pakistan aims to avoid steep tariffs on its exports.
The country faces a possible 29% tariff on goods exported to the U.S., stemming from a $3 billion trade surplus. These tariffs are part of broader measures announced by Washington last month targeting several countries.
Formal trade discussions began earlier in the day with a phone conversation between Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, according to a statement issued by Pakistan’s finance ministry.
“Pakistani representatives are coming in next week,” Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews. “And with India, we’re very close to a deal. But I made it clear that I won’t pursue agreements with either country if they’re on the brink of conflict.”
The remarks come in the wake of a recent military standoff between India and Pakistan. Tensions escalated following Indian accusations—without concrete evidence—against Pakistan for a deadly attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir.
In retaliation, India carried out air strikes in early May, reportedly causing civilian casualties in Pakistan. Islamabad responded by shooting down five Indian fighter jets and intercepting drones. A ceasefire was eventually brokered by the United States on May 10 after multiple cross-border attacks.