Trump Admin Confirms Tariffs Will Remain Unchanged Despite Trade Talks

The U.S. administration has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining and, in some cases, increasing tariffs imposed by President Donald J. Trump, despite ongoing trade negotiations with major partners. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated on July 25 that the latest round of tariffs, which range from 10 to 41 percent across 60 countries, were “pretty much set” and unlikely to be revised in the near term [1]. Greer reiterated this position on July 30, emphasizing that while discussions remain active, the current tariff levels will stay in place [2]. White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett added on July 26 that market reactions would not influence the administration’s policy, calling the tariffs “final deals” [3].

The tariff policy, detailed in an executive order issued on July 24, adjusts rates for various countries based on bilateral agreements. A baseline tariff rate of 10 percent applies to most countries, though some major trade partners have secured lower rates through negotiations. For example, Indonesia and Thailand received 19 percent tariffs, South Korea and Japan 15 percent, and the United Kingdom 10 percent [3]. Nations that have not yet reached agreements face the full 10 percent rate, with the possibility of higher levies as negotiations continue.

The tariffs are set to take full effect on August 7, covering a significant portion of global trade. Hassett noted that eight trade agreements now cover approximately 55 percent of global GDP, involving key partners such as the European Union, Japan, and South Korea. While minor adjustments may occur, the fundamental structure of the tariff framework is expected to remain stable [3].

The administration’s firm stance has drawn responses from global trading partners, many of whom have indicated reluctance to accept the new terms without further negotiations. Nevertheless, Trump and his team have shown no indication of backing down, asserting that the tariffs are essential to enforcing fair trade practices [5]. This has escalated trade tensions, with countries such as Canada, Brazil, and India already experiencing the impact of new duties.

While concerns over market volatility persist, analysts have noted some resilience in the U.S. economy, though long-term effects remain uncertain [6]. With no immediate revisions in sight, the focus remains on how global markets will adapt to the evolving trade landscape.

Sources:

[1] title: Trump Economic Adviser Says Tariffs 'Locked In' Despite ... (https://www.newsweek.com/trump-economic-adviser-says-tariffs-locked-despite-market-volatility-2108186)

[2] title: Latest Trump tariffs unlikely to budge, top negotiator says (https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/business/latest-trump-tariffs-unlikely-to-budge-top-negotiator-says/articleshow/123081072.cms)

[3] title: Kevin Hassett says market won't influence Trump tariffs (https://thehill.com/business/trade/5434140-hassett-market-wont-influence-trump-final-deals/)

[4] title: US trade chief says Trump's tariffs will stay despite ongoing ... (https://www.cryptopolitan.com/us-trade-chief-says-trumps-tariffs-will-stay/)

[5] title: After a blown deadline, what next for US-Canada trade? (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgjrm74lvno)

[6] title: Despite Trump, the US economy remains surprisingly ... (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/03/despite-trump-the-us-economy-remains-surprisingly-resilient-but-for-how-long)