Donald Trump stated on Sunday that his administration plans to commence dispatching letters to US trading partners on Monday, outlining the implementation of new customs charges on the products they export to America. “It could be 12, perhaps 15,” the president informed journalists, “and we have also struck deals; hence, we will be featuring a blend of letters and some deals have been sealed.”
With the previously declared 90-day customs suspension slated to terminate on July 9th, inquiries were raised about whether the newly formulated levies would come into force this week or on August 1st, as some official sources had hinted.
“Indeed, they will be customs levies, the customs levies, the customs levies,” the president stated, somewhat hesitantly, “I suppose we will have finalized matters with most nations by July 9, yes. Whether through a letter or a trade agreement.”
In light of the uncertainty, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified, “But they come into effect on August 1. Tariffs come into effect on August 1, but the president is fixing the rates and the agreements right now.”
In April, Trump had unveiled a base tariff of 10% on most nations, with additional charges ranging up to 50%, though he subsequently pushed back the implementation for all but the 10% charge until July 9th. The new deadline of August 1st extends the period of ambiguity for importers.
Scott Bessent, the United States Treasury Secretary, remarked in a statement earlier on Sunday that significant announcements of trade deals may be forthcoming in the approaching days, indicating progress in negotiations with the European Union.
Moreover, Trump will also communicate with 100 smaller countries with whom the US engages in limited trade, informing them that they will encounter increased tariff rates initially set on April 2nd and then suspended until July 9th.
Professor Kevin Hassett, the leader of the White House’s National Economic Council, hinted that there could be flexibility for countries actively involved in negotiations, although final decisions will rest with Trump.
Since assuming office, Trump has ignited a global trade dispute that has unsettled financial markets and prompted policymakers to safeguard their economies, including by brokering agreements with the US and other nations.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/06/trump-tariff-delay
