‘Liberation Day’ tariffs take effect in August if trade talks fail, Lutnick says

Published July 6, 2025 7:23pm ET



Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick revealed that the April 2 “Liberation Day” tariffs, which have been paused until July 9, won’t go into effect until early August.

Lutnick, appearing alongside President Donald Trump on Sunday in New Jersey, told reporters that if countries fail to reach a trade deal with the United States, they will face the increased levies on Aug. 1, nearly a month after the pause expires on Wednesday.

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