US-EU India Trade Talks Expected to Extend Past July Deadline

Trade negotiations between the United States and key partners, including India and the European Union, are ongoing with critical deadlines approaching and potential extensions under consideration. India's trade team has extended their stay in Washington in hopes of finalizing a deal before the July 9 deadline when higher U.S. tariffs are set to take effect. French Finance Minister Eric Lombard has called for extending the EU-U.S. trade talks beyond July 9 to secure a stronger and more balanced agreement, with French President Emmanuel Macron emphasizing the need for equitable terms, including potential increased U.S. gas imports to replace Russian supplies. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that tariff negotiations with over a dozen partners could extend until September 1, shifting from the original July deadline, to allow more time for deals with key trading partners. President Donald Trump expressed flexibility regarding the deadline, indicating he could either extend the timeline or impose tariffs immediately if agreements are not reached. The Trump administration has secured a trade agreement only with the United Kingdom so far and maintains readiness to reinstate higher tariffs if necessary, strengthening U.S. negotiating leverage.