by Priya Radünzel, SeaNewsEditor

On Monday, 7 July, US President Donald Trump announced an extension of tomorrow's deadline for trade negotiations with several countries to 1 August.

While the extended pause on reciprocal tariffs provides some reprieve, Trump increased pressure on 14 exporting countries to conclude deals by then.

In letters to Japan and South Korea, Trump warned that imports would face a 25% tariff from 1 August or more should these countries choose to raise their tariffs.

Reuters reports that the rest of the countries were informed of the new tariff rates, some of which were adjusted downward. The reason for this is unclear.

From 1 August, the United States will impose tariffs of 25% on goods from Tunisia, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan, 30% on South Africa and Bosnia and Herzegovina, 32% on Indonesia, 35% on Serbia and Bangladesh, 36% on Cambodia and Thailand, and 40% on Laos and Myanmar.

The extension of less than a month means that for most countries, it is too late to ship goods into the US before the deadline.

When asked if the deadline is firm, Trump confirms it is, but not 100%. This leaves shippers with the uncertainty that has clouded logistical planning in recent months.

Notably, the new deadline does not apply to Chinese goods, for which the tariff levels are yet to be announced.

Reuters reports that the European Union aims to conclude tariff talks shortly with the US, while the US administration says it is close to a deal with India.