White House: There are no plans to extend July 9th trade deadline

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump may choose to extend the July deadline for implementing higher tariffs on imports from several countries, the White House said Thursday.

While Trump already imposed a broad 10% tariff on most of America’s trading partners earlier this year, he had announced—but then paused—additional tariffs on a number of economies while negotiations continued. That pause is scheduled to expire on July 9.

When asked whether the pause might be extended, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters:

“Perhaps it could be extended, but that’s a decision for the president to make.”

She added:

“The deadline is not critical. The president can simply provide these countries with a deal if they refuse to make us one by the deadline.”

According to Leavitt, this would allow Trump to

“pick a reciprocal tariff rate that he believes is advantageous for the United States.”

As for the status of trade negotiations, she said U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is

“working very hard” and has had “good and productive discussions with many of our key trading partners.”