Trump may extend trade deal deadline but plans letters imposing tariffs within two weeks.

President Eyes Tariff Action Despite Ongoing Negotiations

President Donald Trump said Wednesday he would consider extending the July 8 deadline for countries to finalize trade deals with the United States but expressed confidence that extensions might not be needed. His remarks came shortly before attending a performance of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center in Washington.

“I would,” Trump said when asked about a possible extension, “but I don't think we're going to have that necessity.” He added that the U.S. is “rocking in terms of deals” and emphasized that significant progress is underway.

After announcing broad tariffs in April, the administration granted a 90-day window for countries to reach agreements. That window closes July 8. Trump now says his administration will begin issuing letters to about 15 countries in the next one to two weeks, notifying them of U.S.-imposed trade terms if no deal is reached.

Direct Letters Signal Hard Deadline

“At a certain point, we’re just going to send letters out … saying this is the deal, you can take it or leave it,” Trump stated. These communications are expected to set unilateral tariff terms for non-compliant nations, marking a shift from negotiated diplomacy to imposed outcomes.

The president clarified that the U.S. is still actively negotiating with major partners, including Japan and South Korea. “We’re dealing with about 15 countries,” he said, while noting that making deals with over 150 global partners is not feasible. These 15 countries are the current focus of his administration’s outreach.

Trump also commented on the high-profile trade talks held with Chinese officials in London this week. He confirmed that a preliminary framework was established, though final approval is pending from both his administration and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“We made a great deal with China. We're very happy with it,” Trump said. “We have everything we need, and we're going to do very well with it. And hopefully they are, too.”

As the deadline nears, the administration appears ready to move from talks to action, setting a definitive tone for what Trump sees as a critical phase of reshaping U.S. trade relationships. The planned letters reflect the White House’s shift toward enforcing new economic terms, underscoring its message of American trade assertiveness.