President Donald Trump has once again delayed the implementation of sweeping import tax hikes, pushing the deadline to 1 August.
This postponement is coupled with letters sent to leaders of various nations, including Japan and South Korea, threatening tariffs of 25% to 40% unless trade deficits are reduced.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed an executive order would formalise the delay, stating the administration aims to secure optimal trade deals for the American people.
Trump falsely claimed that these tariffs are paid by foreign governments, despite them being import taxes levied on American importers, which often result in higher consumer prices.
Following the announcement, American stock markets, including the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq, experienced declines.