U.S. Signals Tariff Pause Extension for Trade Partners in ‘Good Faith’ Talks

​As the clock ticks down on President Trump’s 90-day tariff pause, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is signaling that the U.S. may be open to extending the deadline—for trade partners negotiating in good faith.

Speaking before the House Ways and Means Committee, Bessent said the Trump administration could "roll the date forward" for any of the U.S.’s 18 key trading partners that are actively working toward deals. “It is highly likely” the U.S. will grant an extension to countries like the European Union that remain engaged in meaningful talks, he added.

“If someone is not negotiating, then we will not,” Bessent stated, making clear that the U.S. will differentiate between cooperative and uncooperative partners.

Until now, the administration had insisted on having at least a "terms of an agreement" framework in place before considering any shift to the July 9 deadline. Bessent’s comments mark a subtle but important softening of that stance.

The move comes amid a flurry of trade activity. While Trump officials claim they are close to securing deals with several nations, only two have been publicly announced so far: a formal agreement with the U.K. and a framework deal with China.

Bessent’s remarks follow Trump’s recent statement that a U.S.–China deal had been reached, though the specifics of that deal remain vague. The administration appears increasingly aware that rigidly enforcing the July deadline could risk disrupting negotiations that are making progress.

Bottom line: The U.S. is keeping the door open for a tariff pause extension—but only for trade partners that stay at the table. As the deadline approaches, watch for how many countries meet Washington’s definition of “good faith” talks.







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