U.S. President Donald Trump has postponed the start of his planned reciprocal tariffs until Aug. 1, according to an exclusive report by the Wall Street Journal published late Tuesday. People familiar with the matter said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent convinced the president that several trade agreements, notably with India and the European Union, could be finalized if negotiators were given a few more weeks. Bessent was also instrumental in an earlier 90-day pause granted in April. The tariffs—designed to match or exceed duties imposed on U.S. exports by other countries—had been scheduled to take effect on July 9. To maintain pressure, the White House dispatched warning letters to 14 trading partners and made clear that the duties will automatically apply on Aug. 1 unless new deals are reached. Commerce Secretary Lutnick told business groups the administration may issue up to 20 additional notices in the coming weeks. Trump, writing on his social-media platform, insisted “all money will be paid” from Aug. 1 and said no further extensions are planned. The delay comes as Washington’s broader trade campaign already includes a separate 145% levy on Chinese goods that took effect in April.