Fact check: Do countries actually sign a USA trade deal in writing or is it just a promise

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, trade agreements between the USA and other countries are indeed formal, written documents rather than mere promises. The evidence strongly suggests that these agreements involve official signatures and legal documentation:

• Multiple sources reference formal trade agreements and accords that have been reached between the US and various countries including Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom ^[1]
• President Trump signed an executive order listing specific tariff rates for imports from dozens of countries, demonstrating the written, formalized nature of trade policy ^[2]
• Sources describe "landmark economic agreements" and "strategic realignments" of economic relationships, language that indicates substantial, documented commitments rather than informal promises ^[3]
• The United States Trade Representative website lists formal Free Trade Agreements, implying these are legally binding, written documents ^[4]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important context about the different types of trade arrangements that exist between countries:

• The analyses reveal there are various levels of trade agreements, from preliminary accords to comprehensive free trade agreements, but don't clearly distinguish between these different categories ^{[1] [5]}
• Executive orders and unilateral trade actions (such as tariff implementations) represent one form of written trade policy, but may differ from bilateral or multilateral signed agreements ^[2]
• The sources mention "Cooperation Agreements" and "strategic realignments" but don't provide sufficient detail about the specific legal mechanisms and enforcement structures that make these agreements binding ^{[5] [3]}
• Missing is discussion of how these agreements are ratified, implemented, and enforced in practice

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains an implicit false dichotomy by suggesting trade deals are either "signed in writing" or "just a promise." This framing oversimplifies the complex nature of international trade agreements:

• The question implies uncertainty about whether formal documentation exists, when the evidence clearly shows that trade agreements involve substantial written documentation and formal processes ^{[3] [6] [4]}
• The phrase "just a promise" minimizes the legal and diplomatic significance of international trade commitments, which involve complex negotiations, formal announcements, and implementation mechanisms
• The question may reflect skepticism about the binding nature of international agreements, but the analyses show these involve formal governmental processes and official announcements from sources like the White House and trade representatives