The US left open the possibility of maintaining the basic tax rate of 10%.

Washington is leaving open the possibility of maintaining a basic 10% tariff on many countries, despite concerns about tax increases and pressure from domestic public opinion.

US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick - Photo: REUTERS

According to the US news site Axios , on July 21, US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick affirmed that Washington is still aiming to impose a basic tariff of 10% on many countries, despite recent statements by President Trump suggesting that the tax rate could increase to 15% or even 20%.

"People should understand that small countries, including many in Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa, will pay a base tax of 10%. Larger economies will either open their markets or pay their fair share of the tax," Lutnick said on CBS's Face the Nation.

According to Mr. Lutnick, August 1 is the deadline for countries to negotiate if they want a more favorable tax rate, and no country will "negotiate to completely eliminate the tax." Besides, he also confirmed: "10% will definitely be maintained. Many countries may have to pay a higher rate."

Earlier this month, President Trump sent letters to dozens of countries, unilaterally imposing new tariffs effective August 1. So far, only Indonesia has reached a preliminary agreement, but the specific content has not been officially announced.

According to analysis by the Yale Budget Lab, the current average tax burden for Americans — including the impact of tax letters — is the highest since 1910, equivalent to about $2,800/year per household.

A new CBS poll released on July 21 found that 60% of respondents oppose tariffs, and 61% believe the administration is placing too much emphasis on tax policy.

But Mr. Lutnick didn't seem too concerned: "People will love the deals that President Trump and I are making. They will love them."

He also dismissed concerns that tariffs would cause prices to rise: "I think inflation will remain where it is."

However, according to Axios , a recent consumer price index (CPI) report shows that inflation in the US is gradually increasing in groups of goods directly affected by taxes.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/my-de-ngo-viec-duy-tri-muc-thue-co-ban-10-20250721102256152.htm