Trump seeks to pressure trading partners to make deals before tariffs deadline

President Donald Trump has faced criticism over tariffs (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)

The Trump administration is stepping up pressure on trading partners to make new deals before a Wednesday deadline, with plans for the US to start sending letters warning countries that higher tariffs could begin on August 1.

That furthers the uncertainty for businesses, consumers and America’s trading partners, and questions remain about which countries will be notified, whether anything will change in the days ahead and whether President Donald Trump will once more delay imposing the rates.