President Donald Trump, accompanied by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (left) and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, speaks to reporters at a meeting during the ASEAN Summit at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza on Nov. 13, 2017, in Manila, Philippines. | Andrew Harnik/AP Photo Trump teases Wednesday trade announcement at the White House

MANILA, Philippines — President Donald Trump said Sunday he’ll make a “major” announcement on trade next week at the White House upon returning from his Asia trip.

The statement, planned for Wednesday, will detail Trump’s discussions with world leaders during his 12-day, five-country tour of Asia.


“A lot of things are happening on trade and I’ll be announcing pretty much what happened here and also with other meetings, including with China, South Korea and lots of other places,” Trump said during a trilateral meeting here with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Trump added later, “We’ve made some very big steps with respect to trade, far bigger than anything you know.”

Trump did not offer any specifics about the pending announcement, but he complained about the large trade deficits with other nations.

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“We have deficits with almost everybody,” he said. “Those deficits are going to be cut very quickly and very substantially.”

The president joked that he scheduled the announcement for Wednesday to give reporters an opportunity to rest after the grueling tour.

“We’ll give you a chance to sleep, particularly the press,” he said. “I have to tell you, I’m very impressed. You were able to hang in there. I’m very proud of you.”

The president also repeated his praise for the reception he’s been given during the trip.

“It was a red carpet like nobody, probably has ever received,” he said. “And that really is a sign of respect, perhaps for me a little bit, but really for our country.”