Trump's Dealmaker Name on the Line in High-Stakes Tariff War

Aggressive strategy for '90 deals in 90 days' has reaped at most three as at July 9

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WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump set out early in his second term to fulfill a decades-long desire of reshaping US trade with the world, but the main outcomes so far have been discord and uncertainty.

The real estate tycoon, who has staked his reputation on being a consummate dealmaker, embarked on an aggressive strategy of punitive tariffs that his administration predicted could bring "90 deals in 90 days".

The score so far? Two. Three if you count a temporary de-escalation agreement with China.

The 90-day deadline was due on July 9, with dozens of economies facing tariff hikes without a deal. But days before it arrived, Mr. Trump issued a delay to Aug. 1.

It was his second extension since unveiling the tariffs in April - reigniting the "Taco Theory" that has gained traction among some Wall Street traders.

The acronym coined by a Financial Times writer stands for "Trump Always Chickens Out", highlighting the US president's inclination to roll back policies if markets turn sour.