- Monday, June 30, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
President Donald Trump has made it clear that the United States will not extend the 90-day pause on tariffs for most countries beyond the July 9 deadline.
The pause, originally intended to provide time for trade negotiations, will expire as planned, and Trump’s administration is preparing to notify countries that trade penalties will be imposed unless new deals are reached. “I’m gonna send letters. That’s the end of the trade deal,” Trump said in a Fox News interview, emphasizing his preference for direct action over prolonged negotiations.
Letters Detailing Tariff Rates to Go Out Soon
Trump revealed that letters outlining specific tariff rates will be sent to countries “pretty soon,” even before the July 9 deadline. The letters will inform nations of the trade penalties they face if no agreement is reached with the U.S. “Congratulations, we’re allowing you to shop in the United States of America, you’re going to pay a 25 per cent tariff, or a 35 per cent or a 50 per cent or 10 per cent,” Trump said, adding that the rates will be determined based on each country’s trade deficit with the U.S. and how they treat American interests.
Negotiations Ongoing, But No Deals for Many
While negotiations are still underway with some countries, Trump acknowledged the challenge of finalizing agreements with all trading partners, given that there are nearly 200 countries worldwide. “We’re not going to make deals with everybody. Some, we are just going to send them a letter, say thank you very much,” he said. The administration had aimed for “90 trade deals in 90 days,” but only a handful, including with China and the United Kingdom, have been finalized so far.
White House Downplays Deadline, But Trump Stands Firm
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested last week that the July 9 deadline was “not critical,” leaving open the possibility of an extension. However, Trump’s recent remarks indicate a firm stance against prolonging the pause. “I don’t think I’ll need to because, I could—there’s no big deal,” he said, reiterating that sending out the tariff letters is a simpler and more effective approach.
TikTok Sale and U.S.-China Relations
In the same interview, Trump addressed the ongoing saga of TikTok’s future in the United States. He stated that a group of wealthy investors is preparing to acquire TikTok’s American operations, with an announcement expected in about two weeks. Trump noted that the deal would likely require approval from China’s President Xi Jinping. The sale deadline for TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, has been extended to September 17, 2025, as negotiations continue amid ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions.
U.S. Strikes on Iran and Nuclear Claims
Trump also discussed the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, insisting that the attacks “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear ambitions, particularly at the heavily fortified Fordo site. “The bomb went through it like it was butter, like it was absolute butter,” Trump said, dismissing doubts about the extent of the damage. Multiple intelligence assessments, however, have questioned whether the strikes were as effective as claimed, with reports suggesting Iran may have moved enriched uranium out of key facilities before the attacks.
Leak Investigation and Calls for Prosecution
Addressing the leak of a preliminary intelligence assessment that cast doubt on the effectiveness of the Iran strikes, Trump said those responsible should be prosecuted. He also suggested that journalists who received the leaked information should be compelled to reveal their sources. The administration is currently investigating the matter, with Press Secretary Leavitt confirming that accountability is being pursued.
As the July 9 deadline approaches, Trump’s decision not to extend the tariff pause signals a tougher stance on global trade. With letters detailing new tariff rates set to go out soon, many countries face renewed uncertainty over their trading relationship with the U.S.
Meanwhile, ongoing issues such as the TikTok sale and U.S. actions in Iran continue to shape the administration’s approach to international economic and security challenges
