US to keep 10% baseline tariff after trade deals: White House

​​​​​​​By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt confirmed Friday that the US will maintain a 10% baseline tariff policy, even after finalizing trade deals with countries.

"The president is committed to the 10% baseline tariff, not just for the United Kingdom, but for his trade negotiations with all other countries as well," said Leavitt.

She praised the UK agreement as a long-sought achievement. "A trade agreement like this between the United States and the United Kingdom was being worked on for many years, but continued to prove elusive. But because of President (Donald) Trump's bold negotiating approach, he got it done," said Leavitt.

She attributed the deal to the administration's tariff strategy, saying that the accomplishments happened "because of President Trump's implementation of powerful tariffs to end the era of economic surrender."

Leavitt added that American workers and companies "finally have a president who has their backs."

"This is just the first of many trade deals to come. Get ready for more historic deals in our country," Leavitt said.

Trump announced Thursday that the US and UK had reached a "breakthrough" trade agreement, the first in a series of planned deals.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told lawmakers Wednesday that negotiations are ongoing with several countries, suggesting some are "quite advanced.”

He said the US is in talks with 17 major trading partners and expects most of those deals to be finalized by the end of the year.

The US is also set to begin trade talks with China on Saturday in Switzerland.