US Eyes Extension of China Tariff Deadline as Global Trade Talks Intensify

The US is signaling a likely extension of its tariff deadline with China, as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent prepares for a new round of trade talks in Stockholm next week. While the Trump administration maintains that August 1 is a 'hard deadline' for imposing higher tariffs on countries without new trade deals, officials emphasize that securing high-quality agreements is more important than rushing to meet the date. Negotiations with China are reportedly constructive, with discussions possibly expanding to include issues like Chinese purchases of Russian and Iranian oil. Meanwhile, the US is also pursuing trade talks with the EU, Canada, and other partners, using the threat of tariffs as leverage. The overall strategy reflects a shift toward using tariffs as a tool for broader economic and geopolitical objectives.