On April 22, 2025, Kevin O’Leary, a well-known investor from Shark Tank, appeared on FOX Business where he underscored the critical role of trade agreements in fostering market stability. O’Leary highlighted significant trade regions, including India, the European Union, and Canada, noting that these areas represent approximately 72% of overall trade activity.
During his discussion, O’Leary emphasized that securing deals with these key regions would not only draw significant market interest but also create substantial business opportunities. In particular, he pointed to India as a prime target for investment in the pharmaceutical and generics sectors, mainly due to favorable tariff conditions. He expressed that establishing a trade deal with India could serve as a model for future agreements with other nations.
In line with his strategic vision, O’Leary presented a concise three-step roadmap aimed at stabilizing the markets: first, securing a trade agreement with India; second, initiating discussions with China to steer the narrative; and finally, allowing the Federal Reserve to operate free from external pressures, recognizing its significance in maintaining market confidence.
“If you want to calm the markets, here’s the roadmap… Step 1: Land a deal with India. Massive opportunity in pharma and generics,”stated Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary.
Kevin O’Leary Dismisses Recession Fears
In a subsequent appearance on CNN later that day, journalist John Berman probed O’Leary on the looming threat of a recession. O’Leary pointed out that experts have predicted a recession for four consecutive years, yet as of now, no such downturn had occurred.
According to O’Leary, recent economic indicators do not suggest an impending recession; instead, he cited the ongoing tariff wars as a crucial factor influencing market health. He expressed optimism about several anticipated trade agreements with countries like Britain, Switzerland, Canada, and Mexico, which he believed would soon come to fruition.
“Forecasters of recessions have been wrong for four years straight. But we are not in a recession right now. It really depends on how long these tariff wars go on for,”said Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary.
O’Leary acknowledged that the dynamics with China remain particularly complex, contributing to the Federal Reserve’s hesitance to adjust interest rates. He characterized the situation with China as an urgent issue, encompassing more than just trade and tariffs; it extends to fundamental concerns like intellectual property theft, access to markets, and compliance with World Trade Organization regulations.
“I would argue right now that people that count out the American economy are constantly wrong all the time. It’s the largest economy on Earth,”asserted Kevin.
Highlighting the significance of the U.S. economy, O’Leary noted that it comprises 26% of global GDP and nearly 40% of worldwide consumption. Despite the challenges ahead, he maintained that investment decisions should focus on current market conditions rather than recession forecasts.
Earlier in the same month, O’Leary had shared additional insights during a different CNN interview, expressing skepticism about recession worries stemming from recent tariff adjustments. He criticized many forecasts as premised on the false assumption of permanent tariffs, suggesting that many of today’s trade rules, established post-World War II, are ripe for reassessment and modernization.
Kevin O’Leary continues to serve as a prominent investor and commentator on the ABC reality series, Shark Tank, now in its 16th season.