U.S. tells partners to honor tariff deals as Trump regroups

Fortune

by Catherine Lucey, Bloomberg

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Senior U.S. officials have emphasized that existing trade deals with key partners, including China, the European Union, Japan, and South Korea, remain intact despite the Supreme Court’s ruling against President Donald Trump’s emergency tariffs. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer clarified that these agreements are not affected by Trump’s recent 15% global tariff announcement and will be honored as “good deals” for both parties. The focus is on maintaining stability in international trade relations despite ongoing legal challenges to Trump’s policies. The uncertainty surrounding Trump’s trade strategy has already begun to affect global trade dynamics. European officials have hinted at freezing the EU’s ratification of a U.S.-EU trade deal until clarity is provided by the Trump administration. Similarly, India has postponed trade talks with the U.S., citing concerns over the unpredictable nature of current U.S. trade policies. Greer and other U.S. officials are working to reassure partners that these deals will not be altered, even as legal battles continue. The situation highlights the importance of clear communication in international trade. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde stressed the need for “clarity” from the U.S. administration to maintain global economic stability. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also noted that foreign trading partners prefer these tariff deals and expect them to remain unchanged. However, some domestic critics, like Republican Representative Don Bacon, have expressed concerns about the constitutionality of Trump’s new 15% tariff order. This issue matters significantly for businesses and global markets, as uncertainty in U.S. trade policy could disrupt international supply chains and affect economic growth. The outcome of these legal challenges and the clarity provided by the U.S. government will determine whether existing trade deals remain stable or if further instability arises. For businesses operating globally, this situation underscores the need for adaptability and caution in navigating complex trade landscapes.

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/23/2026