Scrutinizing the Big Numbers in Trump’s Trade Deals

President Donald Trump’s flurry of trade deal announcements are so far proving light on detail — with key aspects still under negotiation, partners giving mixed signals and big numbers shrinking under scrutiny.

In the past week, he’s touted landmark agreements with Japan and the European Union, adding to pacts with a handful of smaller economies. The administration is taking a victory lap, claiming vindication for Trump’s bargaining style as he prepares a raft of tariff hikes before an Aug. 1 deadline. But many details remain fuzzy – especially investment promised by counterparties, which on paper exceeds $1 trillion for the EU and Japan deals alone.