^{Billionaire investor Bill Ackman. (Reuters/Richard Brian/File)}

‍April 4, 2025 — New York, NY — Bill Ackman, the billionaire investor and hedge fund manager, is sending a bold warning to world leaders regarding the future of trade negotiations with the U.S. Under the spotlight after President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of reciprocal tariffs, Ackman emphasizes the need for swift action if countries want favorable terms in any forthcoming deals.

Act Fast or Lose Out: Ackman’s Advice to Global Leaders

In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Ackman advised foreign governments to reach out to President Trump immediately if they wish to secure a better deal amid the escalating trade tensions. He stressed that Trump is a “dealmaker at his core,” who views global trade as a series of transactions rather than ideological stances.

“My advice to foreign leaders is that if you have not already reached out to President Trump, you need to do so immediately,” Ackman wrote. “He’s a tough negotiator, but he’s also a fair one. He loves making deals and he doesn’t like to wait around.”

Ackman’s comments come at a time when countries around the world are weighing their responses to Trump’s new tariff policies, which could have wide-reaching economic consequences. As some countries prepare for retaliation, others are rushing to negotiate favorable terms before the tariffs take full effect.

The Stakes: Countries Who Act Fast Will Benefit

Ackman’s advice echoes a common sentiment in international trade circles: countries who waste time and hesitate in the face of Trump’s new tariffs could end up with less favorable terms. Ackman believes that speed is crucial, as Trump is known for making quick decisions and sticking to his guns.

“I’ve seen this play out in the past,” Ackman added. “Countries that act quickly and show willingness to negotiate often secure better deals. Those that wait too long will find themselves on the losing side of the equation.”

His remarks are not only strategic advice but a reflection of how Trump’s personal approach to negotiations has shaped the global business landscape. As President, Trump has consistently demonstrated a “deal-making” mentality, prioritizing swift decisions and transactional diplomacy over lengthy deliberations.

Backing Up the Warning: Eric Trump Weighs In

Adding further weight to Ackman’s words, Eric Trump, the president’s son and executive vice president of the Trump Organization, echoed a similar sentiment in his own post on X. Eric emphasized the importance of being among the first to negotiate with the U.S., suggesting that those who are last to the table will be left with unfavorable conditions.

“I wouldn’t want to be the last country trying to negotiate a deal with President Trump. The first to negotiate will win, and the last will absolutely lose. I’ve seen this movie my entire life,” Eric Trump said in his tweet.

This father-and-son tandem, both deeply involved in business strategy, clearly see swift action as the key to ensuring success in negotiations.

The Global Trade Landscape: Tariffs and Retaliation

President Trump’s recent announcement of reciprocal tariffs has already caused significant ripples in global markets, with countries like China, the European Union, and Mexico among the first to announce retaliatory measures. These tariffs, which target a range of imports, are seen as a major shift in the U.S. trade policy, with wide implications for global businesses and economies.

As Ackman and Eric Trump pointed out, countries that fail to act promptly risk being left behind as the U.S. reshapes its approach to global trade. Those countries that negotiate early are expected to receive better access to the U.S. market, while those who delay may face more severe restrictions and penalties.

Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture of Global Economics

The implications of these tariff policies extend far beyond the U.S. and its direct trade partners. According to recent World Bank data, global trade growth slowed significantly in 2024, and these new tariffs could deepen that trend. As businesses across the world adjust their supply chains and production strategies in response to these trade policies, the economic uncertainty could spark a global recession if not managed carefully.

For businesses, investors, and global leaders, understanding the need for prompt negotiations and strategic action is more crucial than ever. The global economy is in a delicate state, and any missteps in handling the U.S. tariffs could have long-term consequences on everything from consumer prices to international business relations.

A Call to Action for World Leaders

Bill Ackman’s message is clear: swift action in trade negotiations is critical. The world’s leaders must move quickly to engage with the U.S. to ensure that they receive favorable terms in these ongoing tariff talks. The faster a country negotiates, the more likely they are to come out with a deal that benefits their economy, businesses, and citizens.

In this high-stakes environment, countries must ask themselves: Will they wait too long or step up to the table first?

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