President Donald Trump may extend upcoming deadlines for reinstating significant tariffs on imports from most nations worldwide, the White House announced on Thursday.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated the scheduled deadlines of July 8 and 9, set for restarting the tariffs, are “not critical.” Speaking to journalists, Leavitt noted that there is a possibility the deadline could be extended, but ultimately, this is the president’s decision.
Leavitt clarified that if countries fail to secure a trade agreement with the United States by the established deadlines, the president retains the authority to present these countries with a deal directly.
Earlier in April, President Trump implemented so-called reciprocal tariffs, with rates varying across nearly all foreign imports. However, on April 9, he authorized a 90-day suspension of tariffs above 10%, granting countries additional time to negotiate new terms with Washington. That pause is now due to end on July 9.
In late May, Trump escalated pressure by announcing a potential 50% tariff on imports from European Union members—already affected by the April tariffs. He later agreed to postpone this substantial duty until July 9, responding to a request from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for more time to negotiate a comprehensive agreement.
Meanwhile, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick disclosed that the United States and China have finalized a trade understanding, solidifying terms initially agreed upon at talks in Geneva the previous month.
Lutnick said in an interview with Bloomberg Television that the deal was signed and sealed two days ago, though he stopped short of revealing further details.
Echoing this progress, President Trump announced at a White House event that Washington just signed with China yesterday, but did not elaborate further on the specifics.
Lutnick also emphasized that the U.S. is nearing completion of a separate trade deal with India, suggesting more bilateral agreements may soon follow.
