Trump: "Most Tariff Negotiations to Be Finalized by the 9th... Either a Letter or an Agreement"

Up to 15 Countries to Receive Letters on the 7th...
"Some Will Be Sent on the 8th and 9th"
Negotiations May Continue Until the End of July Even After Receiving Letters

On July 6 (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would send tariff letters to trading partners or conclude negotiations, aiming to finalize trade talks by July 9.

AP Yonhap News

Before boarding Air Force One at an airport in New Jersey to return to the White House in Washington, D.C., President Trump told reporters, "We plan to send the letters on Monday (the 7th), and it could be 12 countries or even 15 countries." The "15 countries" mentioned by President Trump is an increase from the previously stated 12 countries that were to receive the letters.

President Trump added, "Some letters will be sent on Tuesday (the 8th) and Wednesday (the 9th)," and said, "Negotiations have already been concluded with some countries." In response to a question about whether tariff rates could change on July 9 or August 1, he replied, "I think we will conclude negotiations with most countries by July 9. It will be either a letter or an agreement."

Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, who was standing next to President Trump, explained, "The tariffs will take effect from August 1," and added, "The President is now setting tariff rates and agreements."

Based on the remarks by President Trump and Secretary Lutnick, it can be interpreted that negotiations with some countries could be concluded by July 9, which marks the end of the grace period for reciprocal tariffs announced on April 2. In addition, for countries where negotiations are not concluded, the United States intends to end talks by sending a letter specifying unilaterally determined tariff rates, taking into account factors such as the U.S. trade deficit or non-tariff barriers.

However, since the effective date for the tariffs is set for August 1, it appears that even if certain countries receive letters specifying the tariff rates from the United States, there is a possibility that negotiations could continue until the tariffs actually take effect. Secretary Lutnick stated, "President Trump is currently negotiating with various countries," and added, "I will be with him when he makes his decision."