 "770 flying hours, over 563,270 km and counting…: Asia still not close to sealing Trump deals")
Trade envoys from across Asia have spent 770 flying hours and travelled more than 563,270 km — the equivalent of circling the globe over 14 times — in a bid to strike deals with US President Donald Trump. But despite the relentless travel and marathon negotiations, concrete agreements remain elusive, according to a Bloomberg report.
Since Trump announced his “reciprocal” tariff plan on April 2, delegations from Japan, India, Indonesia, and several other Asian countries have made at least 20 trips to Washington, determined to stave off trade penalties that threaten their economies.
The travel time continues to pile up as talks stretch on with little resolution in sight.
According to the report, the tally is based on the most direct commercial flight routes from each Asian capital to Washington, using publicly available information on official trade meetings.
It does not factor in additional travel time such as airport transfers, packing, or in-transit delays. Nor does it include remote discussions or informal talks held on the sidelines of global forums like this year’s G7 summit in Canada or APEC in South Korea, added the report.
And the travel shows no signs of slowing down. With President Trump postponing the tariff hikes until August 1, more delegations are expected to head to Washington in the coming weeks.
Indonesia’s top trade envoy, facing a proposed 32% levy, is scheduled to arrive in the US capital this week, reported Bloomberg.
For some countries — like India and Taiwan — the lack of direct flights only adds to the strain of an already exhausting journey.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsHere’s a look at the total time and distance Asian officials have logged in the air so far — all without securing a finalised trade deal.
Japan
Japanese officials have been among the most active participants in trade talks with the US, with chief negotiator Ryosei Akazawa making seven trips to Washington. Tokyo has remained steadfast in its approach — focused on securing a favourable deal rather than rushing into one that could harm its vital automotive or agricultural sectors.
In total, Japanese delegates have spent 175 hours in the air, covering 152,525 km — more than a third of the way to the moon — in their efforts to secure a trade deal with the US.
India
India’s chief trade negotiator Rajesh Aggarwal and his team have made three trips to the US for trade talks. President Trump has suggested a deal is within reach, hinting that India could soon join the short list of countries — including Vietnam and the UK — that have successfully secured agreements.
In total, the Indian delegation has spent 120 hours in the air, covering 72,600 km in pursuit of a deal.
South Korea
South Korean officials have made four trips to Washington — two under the previous administration and two since President Lee Jae Myung and new trade negotiator Yeo Han-koo took office. While the government has avoided rushing into a deal, it announced this week that it would review US-flagged regulations.
In total, the delegation has spent 108 hours in the air, covering 89,352 km.
Taiwan
Led by trade negotiator Yang Jen-ni, Taiwan’s delegation has made three trips to Washington, including one just this week. The island has not yet received a formal tariff letter from President Trump and remains optimistic about a deal that could expand imports of US energy, agricultural, and defence goods.
So far, Taiwanese officials have logged 108 hours of flight time, covering 75,800 km.
Malaysia
The Malaysian delegation has made two visits to Washington amid concerns over a proposed 25% tariff. The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry stated it remains committed to pursuing a “balanced, mutually beneficial, and comprehensive trade agreement” with the US.
Malaysian negotiators have so far spent 92 hours in the air, traveling 61,493 km.
Indonesia
Indonesian officials indicated last week that a “bold” agreement with the U.S. may be close, after the Trump administration said it had the data needed to move forward. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, who is leading the talks, is scheduled to arrive in Washington on Tuesday for the second round of negotiations.
To date, the Indonesian team has logged 90 hours of flight time, covering 65,444 km.
China
Chinese officials are among the few who haven’t traveled to Washington for trade talks. Instead, Vice Premier He Lifeng has held discussions in Geneva and London. Negotiations are ongoing, with the US maintaining a tariff level of around 55% on Chinese goods — a figure that includes levies from Trump’s first term.
Chinese negotiators have logged 42 hours of flight time, traveling 32,902 km so far.
Thailand
Thailand has made just one official trip to Washington for trade talks, led by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, following unsuccessful attempts earlier this year during the IMF-World Bank meetings. On Tuesday, Pichai expressed hope that Thailand could secure a tariff lower than the currently proposed 36%.
Thai officials have spent 42 hours in the air, covering 28,470 km.
With inputs from agencies
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