The Trump administration can put out as much trade deal fluff as they want, but the reality is that the internal dysfunction and unpredictable nature of this admin will impede most deals from ever making it out of an email chain.
Trade negotiations are complex and take years to develop. Given the state of organizational paralysis, there’s just not enough people to handle most of these talks. All of that back and forth, up and down, and dragging through the mud has left a sour taste in most countries’ mouths. And with no real beta on how to successfully approach these trade deals, what’s the point in trying?
So, take those official claims that ‘progress is being made’ and ‘real trade talks are happening’ with a truckload of salt.