Who wrangled the best trade deal from Donald Trump?

Finance & economics | Comparative advantageWho wrangled the best trade deal from Donald Trump?The agreements look one-sided. Their consequences may not beSharePhotograph: Getty Images Feb 10th 2026|3 min readIn recent weeks President Donald Trump has struck trade deals with Argentina and India. Both countries have obtained partial relief from tariffs by making it easier for American firms to sell goods to their citizens in return. The backlash was swift. Indian farmers’ unions branded the deal a “total surrender”; an opposition politician warned that India risked becoming “a dumping ground”. Such charges have become familiar. France’s former prime minister described the EU’s deal with America as an act of “submission”. Already have an account?Log in Continue with a free trial Get full access to our independent journalism for free Free trial Or create a free account to unlock just this article Create account Explore moreShareReuse this contentThe Economist TodayHandpicked stories, in your inboxA daily newsletter with the best of our journalismSign upYes, I agree to receive exclusive content, offers and updates to products and services from The Economist Group. I can change these preferences at any time.More from Finance & economicsAmerica’s welfare state is more European than you think State-level policies are making up for stingy federal provisionA viral research note on AI gets its economics wrongToo much of a good thingThe AI productivity boom is not here (yet)Artificial intelligence is improving fast. Its effect on output, not so much ButtonwoodMarkets are churning furiously beneath a calm surfaceAI is prompting investors to reassess every business model under the sunDonald Trump answers a Supreme Court rebuke with new tariff threatsThe immediate economic impact will be more uncertaintyThe EU is thrashing out a more muscular set of economic policies The bloc is done playing nicely