In a bold move that has sent ripples through global markets, Donald Trump’s administration aims to negotiate a staggering 90 trade deals in just 90 days. But with plenty of hurdles already presenting themselves, can this ambitious plan become a reality?

The European Union's trade chief, Maros Sefcovic, will be among the first to arrive in Washington for urgent talks regarding the steep tariffs imposed by Trump earlier this month. With nearly $1 trillion in trade between the US and the EU in 2022, the stakes couldn't be higher.

However, there's a twist: while Sefcovic is en route to Washington, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent—key in tariff negotiations—will be in Buenos Aires, focusing on Argentina's economic reforms. This raises questions among experts about the administration's ability to handle so many negotiations at once.

Wendy Cutler, a former chief negotiator with the US Trade Representative, expressed skepticism, stating, "You can't possibly reach comprehensive agreements with any countries within this timeframe. Serious negotiations are needed." Despite the doubts, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro remains optimistic, claiming that with diligent effort, these deals can be achieved.

As Trump counts down the 90 days, he has paused tariff implementations amid financial market panic over recession fears. This hiatus is seen as an opportunity for countries to negotiate bilateral agreements.

Yet, gaining financial market confidence remains crucial during this window. Recent turmoil has led to rising interest rates and a plummeting dollar, with gold hitting record highs as investors seek safe havens.

The ticking clock only increases pressure on the Trump administration to deliver swift results. Cutler notes that there’s an urgent need to finalize agreements that will bolster confidence among trading partners and stabilize the market.

But the challenge extends beyond negotiations. The strain of coordinating multiple talks with various countries is compounded by an understaffed administration and a lack of clarity on trade positions. With many key positions unfilled, including a critical undersecretary for international affairs, there’s concern about the effectiveness of the current team.

While some countries, including the UK and Australia, have engaged in discussions since Trump took office, progress has been slow. One diplomatic source remarked, "It's all talks, not solid negotiations—there’s no clear plan in play."

As Trump takes on the role of chief negotiator, the complexity of this task grows. Historically, even minor trade agreements have taken months or years to finalize. Will this administration be able to pivot from a flurry of discussions to concrete deals? Only time will tell, but with vigilance and strategy, they aim to redefine US trade on a monumental scale.