Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has confirmed that the new round of tariffs proposed by President Donald Trump will officially come into effect on August 1, offering a brief reprieve to global exporters. Speaking to reporters, Lutnick said, “The president is setting the rates and the deals right now,” indicating that while the timeline has shifted slightly, Trump remains firmly in control of the tariff strategy.

In April, Trump announced sweeping trade measures, including a 10% base tariff on imports from most countries and additional tariffs of up to 50% on targeted goods. Originally scheduled for a broader rollout in July, Trump later delayed implementation for all but the 10% base rate until July 9.

What Trump said on tariffs?

US President Donald Trump on Sunday confirmed that letters related to upcoming trade deals with multiple countries, including India, will begin rolling out from Monday.

“We are going to be sending letters out on Monday having to do with the trade deals… It could be as many as 15 or so,” Trump told reporters. He added that while some letters will be sent early in the week, others will follow on Tuesday and Wednesday. “We have made deals also,” he noted.

These remarks come just ahead of the July 9 deadline, ending a 90-day suspension of Trump-era tariffs. From that date, a 26% additional import duty is expected on goods from countries like India. The Trump administration is pushing trade partners to finalise agreements quickly.

Starting Monday, the US will issue formal letters warning that higher tariffs could take effect from August 1. “We’ll have most countries done by July 9, either a letter or a deal,” Trump said.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed, “The president is right in the midst of discussing all sorts of deals with all sorts of countries.”