How to charm Donald Trump

Apr 8th 2025

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Delhi, Singapore and Tokyo

“Do not retaliate and you will be rewarded.” That was the message from the White House on April 9th after Donald Trump announced a pause on tariffs for most trading partners. The president, who touts his dealmaking prowess, had earlier said that he was open to talks. Most countries, China aside, accepted his claims, allowing Mr Trump to argue that the art of the deal was alive and well.

This article appeared in the Finance & economics section of the print edition under the headline “A time for deals”