They Did Deals With Trump to Get Lower Tariffs. Now They Are Stuck.

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by Alexandra Stevenson and River Akira Davis

February 22, 2026

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President Trump's trade deals with countries like Japan and Indonesia, which were signed under the threat of steep tariffs, are now facing uncertainty following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the legal basis for these punitive tariffs. While Trump celebrated these agreements as signs of American success, critics argue that the deals may not hold up and could ultimately leave both sides vulnerable. Countries in Asia, including Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Cambodia, and India, rushed to negotiate with Trump to protect their export-dependent industries from harmful tariffs. These nations made significant concessions, such as opening up critical sectors to American companies and aligning with Washington on issues like sanctions and sourcing minerals. The deals often involved massive investment pledges, including Japan's commitment of $36 billion in U.S. investments and Indonesia's agreement to open its economy to American businesses. However, these moves have sparked backlash at home, with critics accusing leaders of sacrificing national sovereignty and making excessive concessions. The situation is further complicated by the Supreme Court's decision, which has left the future of these deals uncertain. Trump claims many agreements will still stand, but some may need to be renegotiated or replaced with new tariffs. This unfolding drama highlights the volatile nature of international trade under a protectionist regime like Trump's. Countries that once saw these deals as necessary compromises are now questioning whether they could have waited out the tariffs or negotiated better terms. The situation also underscores the broader challenges of navigating global trade relations, particularly when driven by political and economic pressures. For readers interested in news, this story offers insights into how international diplomacy can be shaped—and potentially destabilized—by shifting political winds.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/22/2026