Trump delays tariff implementation to 1 August amid global trade deal push
President Trump has postponed the roll-out of planned tariffs, originally scheduled by July 9, to take effect on August 1 instead. He will send letters this week to around 100 countries, designating new tariff rates (a baseline of 10%, with potential hikes up to 50% and an additional 10% for BRICS-aligned nations). The delays aim to buy time as negotiations, especially with the EU, UK, India, Japan and Vietnam, enter their final stages. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said letters would be sent by 9 July, while Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed implementation on 1 August.
🔁 Reactions:
- Donald Trump: “Tariffs go in effect August 1 but letters/deals by July 9.”
- Scott Bessent: “Progress is good with the EU, UK and others – letters coming Monday.” (tbsnews.net)
- EU trade spokesperson: “Time is money – we want a deal by Wednesday.”
📰 Media Bias & Framing:
- The Guardian, Reuters and AP present the shift as a strategic pause to continue trade talks and clarify policy details. (theguardian.com)
- Politico/FT note leader frustration, especially in Europe, and frame it as a “moveable feast” causing global market jitter.
- The Daily Beast (insider report) casts the delay as partly performative, calling tariffs “more stunt than substance”. (thedailybeast.com)
📊 Sentiment: Neutral–negative. The delay offers breathing space for negotiations, but growing confusion over timing and tariff scope has unsettled markets and allies, raising concerns about unpredictability in U.S. trade policy.
