White House says Trump's July 9 tariff pause deadline 'not critical': 'Perhaps it could be extended, but...'

US President Donald Trump may extend upcoming deadlines for reimposing steep tariffs on imports from most countries, the White House said Thursday.

The tariffs, set to restart July 9, are “not critical,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

“Perhaps it could be extended, but that’s a decision for the president to make,” Leavitt said.

She added that if any country fails to reach a trade deal with the United States by the deadlines, “the president can simply provide these countries with a deal.”

“And that means the president can pick a reciprocal tariff rate that he believes is advantageous for the United States, and for the American worker,” she said.

In early April, Trump imposed so-called reciprocal tariffs at varying rates on imports from nearly all countries.

The United States levied an additional 26% tariff on Indian exports on April 2, but later suspended it until July 9. India continues to face a baseline US tariff of 10% and is seeking a full exemption from the higher duty under an interim deal currently under negotiation.

On Friday, Trump suggested a potential “very big” trade agreement with India, just days before the suspension of the additional tariff is set to expire.

“Everybody wants to make a deal and have a part of it… We have one coming up, maybe with India. Very big one,” Trump said, a day after reportedly signing a trade agreement with China.

“Remember a few months ago, the press was saying, ‘You really have anybody of any interest?’ Well, we just signed with China yesterday. We’re not going to make deals with everybody. Some we are just going to send them a letter, say thank you very much. You are to pay 25, 35, 45 per cent. That’s the easy way to do it.”

Both India and the US are aiming for an interim trade pact before finalising a broader bilateral trade agreement later this year. A PTI report last month suggested the interim agreement could be finalised by June 25, but there has been no official confirmation so far.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that trade talks between India and the US have hit a roadblock over disagreements on import duties for auto components, steel and farm goods.