WASHINGTON – The Trump administration’s first trade talks involve an eclectic mix of major exporters and smaller economies, as the White House looks to rack up agreements that could serve as models for other negotiations.

US President Donald Trump’s team has set a list of roughly 20 partners as the focus of early negotiations, people familiar with the matter said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The Office of the US Trade Representative has briefed lawmakers on the targets, the people said.

The group includes nations such as Japan, South Korea and Vietnam, all top sources of US imports where Mr Trump wants to shrink the trade deficit. It also encompasses comparatively minor partners like Fiji, Lesotho and Mauritius, the people said. 

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said the US is emphasising talks with 18 countries, but has not publicly identified the full list. That includes China, which is due to begin talks this weekend. The slate is designed to establish “templates” to quickly reach other deals, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has said.

“We’re trying to show people a framework of how to do business so we can roll much more quickly,” Mr Lutnick told Bloomberg Television.

The target list is not exhaustive. Administration officials have also held discussions with other countries, such as Brazil and the Philippines. European Union and US negotiators also continue talks.

The White House, Commerce Department and USTR did not respond to requests for comment.

While some countries have privately complained the US isn’t making clear requests of nations seeking tariff relief, early talks have signaled the US may prioritise lower-profile countries to set an example for others. 

In one meeting, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the EU, for instance, should know what Mr Trump’s team is seeking, according to Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, especially if nations including Cambodia, Madagascar and Vietnam are making offers to address the administration’s demands.

Republicans expressed eagerness to see deals completed. Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota said some members encouraged Greer to not leave announcements until July, when the 90-day pause on Mr Trump’s April 2 higher tariffs is set to lapse for those who haven’t ...