July deadline for reciprocal tariffs could be extended: White House

The Trump administration's July deadline for country-specific tariffs may be extended but its auto-related tariffs are set to be expanded.

Lee Seung-jae has the details.

Washington could extend its pause on reciprocal tariffs, which is set to expire next month.

According to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt on Thursday, the pause could be extended, but added that it's a decision "for the president to make."

The comments come as the temporary suspension of reciprocal tariffs, including 25 percent duties on South Korea, is set to expire on July 8th.

In April, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the reciprocal tariffs to match those of other countries on U.S. goods.

While the tariffs took effect on April 9th, Trump pressed the brakes on his plans for 90 days, to allow for negotiations.

Earlier this month, the U.S. President expressed his openness to extending the pause, but said that an extension might not be necessary.

Meanwhile, Washington has begun a process to include more auto parts imported into the U.S., on the list of those subject to 25 percent tariffs.

The U.S. Commerce Department's International Trade Administration on Thursday released its outlined process, where U.S. domestic producers may request additional auto parts to be included in the new tariff scheme.

To receive the requests from the domestic producers, the ITA is forming two-week submission windows, four times a year, with the first window opening on July 1st.

Following the two-week window, a non-confidential version of each valid request will be published, with the ITA making the final decision within 60 days of receiving the request.

The move is expected to affect South Korea's auto parts industry.

Earlier this year, Trump invoked Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which grants the president the power to adjust imports into the U.S. when determined they threaten to impair national security.

Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.