July 9 Tariff Deadline Looms

The White House is downplaying the urgency of a self-imposed trade deadline set to expire July 9. President Donald Trump started a 90-day countdown in April, warning major trading partners that if new deals aren’t reached, sharp tariff increases on their imports could take effect. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday the deadline is not critical and emphasized ongoing negotiations with about 17 major partners, including the European Union, Japan, South Korea, and India. So far, the U.S. has only finalized a trade deal with the United Kingdom. If talks stall, Leavitt said the president will set reciprocal tariff rates he sees as beneficial for the U.S.