The Trump administration is stepping up pressure on trading partners to quickly make new deals before a Wednesday deadline, with plans for the United States to start sending letters Monday warning countries that higher tariffs could kick in Aug.

The US president and his top advisers say he could extend the time for dealmaking, but they insist the administration is applying maximum pressure on other nations.

The potential accord with the European Union, which would spare European goods the 50 percent tariffs Trump has threatened, is one of a few deals the White House could finalize this week.