U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington aims to wrap up negotiations with countries that have not yet secured trade agreements by the end of October. In an interview published by Nikkei Asia on 10 August, Bessent called the target “aspirational” but said he believes substantial terms can be reached with the remaining partners over the next eleven weeks. Speaking later with Fox Business on 12 August, Bessent added that U.S. and Chinese officials plan to meet again within two to three months to discuss the future of their economic relationship. The two sides this week extended a tariff truce for an additional 90 days, postponing duties that would otherwise have escalated under the existing 145 percent levy regime. Bessent cautioned that any reduction in tariffs will depend on China demonstrating sustained progress—“months, if not a year”—in curbing illicit fentanyl shipments to the United States. The Treasury chief also singled out India as “a bit recalcitrant” in the current talks, while noting that negotiations with Switzerland and several other countries remain outstanding. Despite the hurdles, Bessent expressed confidence the administration can conclude the bulk of its trade agenda before October ends.