Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday told lawmakers that it is "highly likely" the United States will allow certain tariff deadlines to slide for countries with which it is currently engaged in trade negotiations.

President Donald Trump announced major tariffs against many U.S. trading partners on April 2, and also imposed sector-related tariffs on things like aluminum and steel. But he paused most of the baseline tariffs for 90 days on April 9.

Bessent testified to the House Ways and Means Committee that there are 18 countries that the U.S. is currently working toward a deal with and expects the country to extend the upcoming deadline to continue those negotiations. 

"There are 18 important trading partners. We are working toward deals on those, and it is highly likely that those countries or trading blocs, as in the case of the [European Union], who are negotiating in good faith, we will roll the date forward to continue good faith negotiations," Bessent said. "If someone is not negotiating, then we will not."

The Trump administration previously promised to secure 90 deals in 90 days, but has only secured one framework deal with the United Kingdom so far. It has also granted an extension for trade deals with the European Union.

The United States has also signaled progress in trade negotiations with Canada, China, India and Japan. 

The deadline for trade deals is currently set for July 8.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.