Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jul 28: The United States has firmly reiterated that the August 1 deadline for the imposition of reciprocal tariffs will not be extended, ending any speculation of a last-minute reprieve.
Speaking on Fox News Sunday, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick categorically ruled out further delays.
“No extensions, no more grace periods. August 1, the tariffs are set. They’ll go into place. Customs will start collecting the money, and off we go,” Lutnick declared.
The tariffs, set at a 30% rate, are part of the US administration’s broader push to pressure trading partners into offering more favorable terms. Lutnick emphasized that the European Union (EU) must open its markets to more American exports if it wants US President Donald Trump to reconsider the tariff imposition.
“The question is, do they offer President Trump a good enough deal that is worth it for him to step off the 30 per cent tariffs,” he said, adding, “We set the table.”
In a bid to avert the steep tariff hike, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to meet President Trump to finalise a potential deal. Sources indicate the compromise may include a 15% baseline tariff on most EU goods — significantly lower than the proposed 30%.
Meanwhile, key US officials — including Commerce Secretary Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer — travelled to Scotland over the weekend for discussions with EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic.
So far, five countries — the UK, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan — have sealed trade deals with Washington ahead of the looming deadline.
India, which has been actively signing trade agreements at an accelerated pace, including a recent deal with the United Kingdom, remains locked in intense negotiations with the US. The much-anticipated India–US trade pact is still pending finalisation, with just days left before the tariff hammer drops.
With global trade dynamics on edge and the tariff deadline just around the corner, all eyes are now on the EU and India as they scramble to secure favourable terms before August 1.