White House says July deadline for higher tariffs may be extended

US President Donald Trump's administration could extend a July deadline when higher tariffs on imports from dozens of countries are set to kick in, the White House said Thursday.

While Trump has imposed a sweeping 10 percent tariff on most US trading partners this year, he unveiled -- then halted -- steeper rates on dozens of economies while negotiations took place.

That pause is set to expire July 9.

Asked if there were plans to further the pause, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters: "Perhaps it could be extended, but that's a decision for the president to make."

"The deadline is not critical," she told a media briefing.

"The president can simply provide these countries with a deal if they refuse to make us one by the deadline," Leavitt added.

This means Trump can "pick a reciprocal tariff rate that he believes is advantageous for the United States," she said.

On the progress of trade negotiations, Leavitt added that US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is "working very hard" and has had "good and productive discussions with many of our key trading partners."