Will the US Stick to Its August 1 Tariff Deadline?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- No extensions on the August 1 tariff deadline
- EU must negotiate to avoid high tariffs
- Five countries have secured trade deals
- Intense negotiations ongoing with India
- Potential impacts on global trade dynamics
New Delhi, July 27 (NationPress) The US government confirmed on Sunday that the August 1 deadline for implementing reciprocal tariffs will not be extended this time around.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick dismissed any possibility of an extension during an appearance on Fox News Sunday.
"No extensions, no more grace periods. August 1, the tariffs are set. They'll be enforced, and Customs will commence collecting the funds, and off we go," Lutnick stated on the program.
He further emphasized that the European Union (EU) must open its markets to increase US exports if they hope to persuade US President Donald Trump to reconsider the upcoming 30 percent tariff rate scheduled for August 1.
"The question is, do they present President Trump with a deal substantial enough for him to reconsider the 30 percent tariffs he has set?" Lutnick remarked.
“They are optimistic about reaching an agreement, but it's ultimately up to President Trump, who leads these negotiations. We set the agenda,” he added.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was scheduled to meet with Trump to finalize a trade deal for Europe, potentially resulting in a 15 percent baseline tariff on the majority of EU goods.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Lutnick traveled to Scotland this weekend for discussions with EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic.
As it stands, five nations have finalized trade agreements with the Trump administration ahead of next week's deadline. These include Britain, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan.
Meanwhile, while India continues to forge trade agreements rapidly, the anticipated pact with the US remains elusive amid intense negotiations between both parties.