When you’re at a car dealership, sometimes walking away from the table gets you a better deal. The salesperson chases after you with a lower price. This same wisdom works in global trade too. Being ready to say “no” can lead to better offers.
President Trump has always known this secret. While most politicians worry about being liked on the world stage, Trump focuses on bringing home wins for everyday Americans. His approach may ruffle some feathers, but results speak louder than words.
Indonesia just learned what happens when you negotiate with Trump. Their President Prabowo Subianto admitted that reaching a trade deal with the United States wasn’t easy.
From Reuters:
Indonesia’s president said U.S. counterpart Donald Trump was a “tough negotiator” after the two countries reached a trade deal that led to a reduction of proposed tariff rates to 19% from 32%.
The deal is among only a handful reached so far by the Trump administration ahead of an August 1 deadline for negotiations, but no details were immediately provided by Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy and a member of the G20.“We’ve agreed from 32%, if I’m not mistaken, lowered to 19% … I was still negotiating, but, I must say, he’s a pretty tough negotiator,” Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto told journalists on Wednesday after a phone call with Trump.
This is a huge win for America. Instead of the 32% tariff rate initially proposed, Indonesia will now pay 19%. But that’s not all they agreed to.
Indonesia committed to buying 50 Boeing jets, pouring money directly into American manufacturing. They also promised to purchase $15 billion in U.S. energy supplies and another $4.5 billion in American farm products.
American Jobs Protected
What does this mean for regular Americans? Jobs, plain and simple. When Indonesia buys American planes, American workers build them. When they buy American energy, our energy sector grows. When they buy our farm products, American farmers prosper.
The deal also includes special rules to stop China from sneaking their products through Indonesia to avoid tariffs. This closes a major loophole that has hurt American businesses for years.
Indonesia has been running a trade surplus of nearly $18 billion with the United States. That means they sell far more to us than we sell to them. This new deal helps balance things out.
Standing Firm Works
Indonesia’s president made it clear they couldn’t give any more concessions. “We’ve given our offer, we cannot give more,” he said after talks with Trump.
This shows Trump pushed negotiations to their absolute limit. He squeezed every possible benefit for American workers out of the deal.
Even Indonesia’s own central bank admitted the deal will help their exports and economic growth. When both sides see benefits, that’s the mark of smart negotiation.
The tough approach is working across Southeast Asia. Vietnam recently struck a similar deal with the U.S., and other nations are lining up to negotiate.
America First isn’t just a campaign slogan – it’s delivering real results for working families. When our president walks into negotiations focused on American interests instead of global popularity, good things happen.
Next time you hear complaints about Trump’s negotiation style, remember the Boeing workers, energy producers, and farmers who benefit from these tough talks. Sometimes, being the “tough negotiator” is exactly what America needs.
Key Takeaways
- Indonesia agreed to buy 50 Boeing jets and billions in American goods after Trump’s firm negotiation.
- Tariffs on Indonesian goods were reduced to 19% instead of 32% while protecting American interests.
- The deal prevents China from using Indonesia as a backdoor to avoid U.S. tariffs.
- Strong leadership in international trade directly creates jobs for American workers and farmers.
Sources: Reuters
