Trump leaves door open to further delay tariffs

U.S. President Donald Trump said he may delay planned tariffs on several countries beyond the newly set deadline of August 1.

Asked whether the new date was firm, Trump told reporters: “I would say firm, but not 100 per cent.”

“If they call up and they say we’d like to do something a different way, we’re going to be open to that,” he added.

Trump said letters sent to over a dozen countries including Japan, South Korea and South Africa outlining planned tariffs were final, but added: “If they call with a different offer, and I like it, then we’ll do it.”

Earlier on Monday, Trump moved the imposition of high tariffs on trading partners from July 9 to August 1.

The move is intended to keep planned import surcharges off the table while negotiations continue.

Although many details remain unresolved, including how future trade relations between the U.S. and the European Union will be structured.