(MENAFN) U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick expressed confidence on Sunday that the United States will secure trade agreements with several nations soon.

He emphasized that the upcoming fortnight will be "for the record books," suggesting significant developments on the horizon.

Speaking with a news agency, Lutnick stated, "The next two weeks are going to be weeks for the record books. President Trump is going to deliver for the American people."

Lutnick highlighted that Americans are "going to love the deals that President Trump and I are doing," signaling enthusiasm about forthcoming arrangements.

This statement comes despite a recent survey indicating that 61% of Americans feel the administration is overly concentrated on tariffs. Nevertheless, Lutnick defended the strategy, saying, "That's gotten these countries to the table, and they are going to open their markets or they're going to pay the tariff."

With the postponement of the reciprocal tariff suspension deadline—from July 9 to August 1—Lutnick emphasized that this new date represents a firm cutoff. He affirmed, "On Aug. 1, the new tariff rates will come in. But, nothing stops countries from talking to us after Aug. 1, but they're going to start paying the tariffs on Aug. 1."

Earlier this month, President Trump issued tariff notifications to 25 nations, including the European Union, Mexico, and Canada, informing them of the impending tariff rates starting August 1.

The letters serve as a clear signal that the U.S. is moving forward with its trade pressure strategy, aiming to force open markets or impose financial consequences.

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