Washington, D.C. — More than 50 countries have reached out to President Donald Trump to initiate trade negotiations in an effort to ease harsh tariffs on exports to the United States, the White House said on Sunday, as global trade partners brace for the economic fallout.

Despite international backlash and market volatility, President Trump has remained unwavering since announcing a sweeping set of tariffs last Wednesday. "My policies will never change," he declared, even as global financial markets reacted with sharp declines.

However, the phased implementation of the tariffs has left room for dialogue. The administration has signaled a willingness to negotiate — but warned that retaliation could backfire.

"More than 50 countries have reached out to the president to begin negotiations," said Kevin Hassett, head of the White House National Economic Council, in an interview with CNN. He referenced data from the U.S. Trade Representative’s office to support the claim.

“These countries understand that they are absorbing a significant share of the tariffs,” Hassett said, while downplaying concerns over domestic inflation. “I don’t think you’re going to see a big effect on the U.S. consumer.”

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed the figure on NBC’s Meet the Press, but noted that any talks would ultimately hinge on the president’s decision.

“At this moment, he has created maximum leverage,” Bessent said. “We’ll have to see what the countries are offering, and whether it’s credible.”

He added that many nations had been “bad actors” in trade for years and that resolving those issues would not be possible "in a matter of days or weeks."

President Trump has repeatedly accused U.S. trading partners of exploiting American markets and views tariffs as a corrective measure. Yet many economists argue that such duties are ultimately paid by consumers and risk sparking inflation at home.

Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounding the new trade policies has triggered prolonged turbulence in global markets, heightening fears of a broader economic slowdown.