Washington/New Delhi, July 7 – In a temporary reprieve amid escalating trade negotiations with multiple countries, including India, the United States has postponed the implementation of country-specific tariffs announced by President Donald Trump. Originally scheduled to take effect on July 9, the new tariff measures will now be enforced from August 1.
The announcement was made by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Sunday, who confirmed that President Trump is still finalizing the rates and terms of trade with several partner nations. Speaking to the media, Trump expressed confidence that most trade arrangements or commitments through formal communication would be completed by July 9.
As per agency report, Trump also stated that formal tariff notification letters would begin to be issued starting Monday. He emphasized that instead of negotiating over 15 different issues, it is far easier to send out notices, reiterating that any country wishing to trade with the United States would need to comply with the new payment structure.
Back in April, President Trump had announced a baseline tariff of 10 percent on the majority of U.S. trading partners, with provisions to raise it up to 50 percent based on further developments. Since then, the U.S. has successfully concluded trade agreements with the United Kingdom and Vietnam, and more such agreements are reportedly in progress.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant told CNN that the President plans to send formal letters to some trading partners, warning them that failure to move forward in talks would result in a reversion to the tariff levels announced on April 2. He added that a wave of trade agreements could be finalized soon.
On the Indian side, a high-level delegation led by chief negotiator Rajesh Agarwal returned from Washington without reaching a final consensus on critical issues such as the trade of agricultural and dairy products—sectors where the U.S. continues to press for greater market access.
Meanwhile, Trump has also announced an additional 10 percent tariff on countries aligning themselves with BRICS nations’ policies perceived as anti-American, signaling a tougher stance on geopolitical alliances that challenge U.S. trade interests.
