What a surprise move from the White House! On June 26, the US administration announced that the July 9 deadline set by the president for striking new trade agreements could be extended. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized, “The deadline is not critical.” Yet, to many observers, the entire process seems like a taunt.

The initial 90-day window for tariff negotiations, which began in April, has so far yielded only two deals: one with the United Kingdom and another with China. This temporary period was intended to encourage agreements with America’s key trading partners.

According to Leavitt, the current July 9 deadline could be adjusted. She reminded reporters that Trump has the authority to impose or modify retaliatory tariffs based on what he deems to be in the best interest of the United States and its workers.

Starting July 9, under the president’s plan, a baseline 10% tariff will apply to all trading partners. If no agreements are reached, retaliatory duties will increase further. Currently, talks are ongoing with most countries, including the European Union and India. Against this backdrop, the White House is considering extending the July timeline.

Earlier, Wall Street Journal analysts noted that EU countries are seeking ways to reduce tariffs on select American imports in an attempt to secure a quick trade deal with Trump.