US, Pakistan Hold Talks On Trade, Tariffs, Critical Minerals, Immigration
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday to discuss tariffs, trade relations, immigration, and potential cooperation on critical minerals, according to separate statements from the State Department and Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.
President Donald Trump said last week that he would impose a 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the U.S. and higher duties on dozens of other countries, including some of Washington’s biggest trading partners, rattling global markets and bewildering U.S. allies. The Trump administration imposed a 29% tariff on Pakistan.
“They (Rubio and Dar) discussed U.S. reciprocal tariffs on Pakistan and how to make progress toward a fair and balanced trade relationship,” the State Department said.
“The Secretary raised prospects for engagement on critical minerals and expressed interest in expanding commercial opportunities for U.S. companies.”
Pakistan’s foreign ministry said Rubio “reciprocated the desire to collaborate with Pakistan in trade and investment in various sectors, especially critical minerals.”
