The United States is stepping up pressure on trading partners to quickly make new deals before a Wednesday deadline when a tariff pause by President Donald Trump expires.

The United States is close to finalizing several trade agreements in the coming days and will notify other countries of higher tariff rates by July 9, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday, with the higher rates scheduled to take effect on August 1.

The move marks a major escalation in his push for what he calls “reciprocal” trade and comes just five days ahead of a self-imposed July 9 deadline for countries to strike deals with the US. Trump told reporters that “10 or 12” letters will be sent Friday,

U.S. President Donald Trump said he had signed letters to 12 countries outlining the various tariff levels they would face on goods they export to the United States, with the "take it or leave it" offers to be sent out on Monday.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday his administration later in the day will begin sending letters to 10 to 12 countries informing them of the tariff rate their products will face in the United States.