U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly prepared to reduce, and potentially eliminate, trade tariffs for certain countries, provided that specific conditions are met.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent explained that the primary goal of implementing tariffs is to balance the trade deficit. In 2024, the U.S. recorded a trade deficit of US$1.18 trillion, equivalent to IDR 19,159 trillion, based on an exchange rate of IDR 16,236.65 per U.S. dollar.

“Over time, these tariffs should be like a block of ice slowly melting,” Bessent stated in an interview with Nikkei Asia on Thursday (Aug 7).

Nikkei Asia interpreted the “melting block of ice” metaphor as a signal that Trump’s trade tariffs could decrease or even disappear entirely.

Bessent did not elaborate on tariff implementation for individual countries, but he stressed that tariff reductions could occur if the U.S. government’s targets are achieved.

“If production returns to the U.S., then we will import less. That way, we will achieve a better balance,” he explained.

He did not detail the specific agreements with other countries, only mentioning that the U.S. would periodically review existing deals.

Regarding ongoing negotiations with several countries, Bessent stated that the process would be concluded by the end of October.

“I don’t know yet whether we will review them quarterly, semiannually, or annually, but the aim is to ensure all countries adhere to the agreements that have been made,” he added.

Previously, President Trump had implemented trade tariffs on imported goods entering the U.S., with Indonesia being one of the affected countries, subject to a 19 percent tariff.

The tariff policy took effect on August 7, 2025. The Indonesian government said it continues to lobby the U.S. to secure a 0 percent tariff on several key commodities.

“As for the specific commodities, I cannot disclose them yet. However, in these negotiations, we also aim to secure tariff reductions for products that are not available or produced in the U.S.,” said Trade Minister Budi Santoso during a press conference on the First Semester 2025 Trade Performance at the Ministry of Trade’s office in Jakarta, Monday (Aug 4).