LIMA, Ohio (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the United States would “never catch up” if a “great” trade deal with China is not reached, as trade negotiators between the two countries prepare for the latest round of talks.

“We want to make a deal and hopefully we’ll make a deal, and if we don’t, that’s fine. If we do, that’s fine. It’s got to be a good deal. It can’t be a bad deal. We’re so far down, it’s got to be a great deal. If it’s not a great deal, you never catch up,” Trump said in a speech at a tank manufacturing plant.