US Shows Flexibility on Tariff Deadline. Trump Says Timeline Can Be Adjusted. India Sends Delegation, EU Also Receives New Proposal.
Trump: US President Donald Trump has once again clarified regarding the deadline for reciprocal tariffs, stating that it is not a final date. Trump says he can extend or shorten this timeframe, depending on how quickly trade deals progress. Several countries, including India, are actively engaged in talks with the US, while the White House Press Secretary and the Treasury Secretary have also indicated that the process could extend until Labor Day.
Trump Signals Flexibility
US President Donald Trump is once again in the headlines for his clear and surprising statements. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said that the deadline of July 9 for implementing reciprocal tariffs is not final. He said, "We can do whatever we want. I want the deadline to be shorter, but it is also possible to extend it." He also added that if needed, he could directly inform all countries that they would now have to pay a 25% tariff.
White House Also Says - "Deadline Not Necessary"
Prior to Trump's statement, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also indicated on Thursday that the July 8-9 deadline was not a strict timeframe. She said that the President has the authority to change the deadline according to the circumstances. Jean-Pierre also added, "If countries do not come forward for talks, the President has the option to send them a direct proposal."
India Sends Its Delegation
India has also become cautious about the Trump administration's tariff plan. The Indian government has sent its trade delegation to Washington to have direct talks with the US. This step has been taken at a time when the US is active on several fronts simultaneously – from planning airstrikes on Iran to debates on taxes and spending in the US Congress.
Agreement Timeline Could Extend to Labor Day
US Treasury Secretary Scott Besent also made an important comment on this issue. In an interview with Fox Business Network, he said, "Many countries around the world are coming up with good proposals. We have 18 main trading partners. If agreements are reached with 10-12 of them and we are also talking to 20 other major economies, this process could be completed by Labor Day."
90-Day Exemption Ending on July 8
In April, the Trump administration announced regarding the reciprocal tariff system that new tariffs would be imposed on almost all foreign goods. However, in cases with tariffs exceeding 10%, a 90-day exemption was given so that the concerned countries could choose the option of talks. This exemption period is ending on July 8.
Trump's Warning
At the end of May, Trump further hardened his stance towards the European Union, warning that if an agreement is not reached, tariffs of up to 50% could be imposed on goods coming from the EU. This is considered a major warning, as tariffs have already been imposed on several European goods.
