Trump says US to start sending out tariff letters
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President Trump unveils next phase of tariff policy, with formal letters to countries detailing new rates set for August.
Trump Announces Start of New US Tariff Notifications Ahead of August Deadline
White House to Begin Sending Tariff Letters to Global Trade Partners
Former US President Donald Trump has revealed that the United States will start issuing formal letters to several countries, informing them of new and significantly increased import tariffs set to take effect on August 1. According to Trump, the first wave of notifications—between 10 to 12 letters—will be dispatched on Friday, with additional communications planned in the coming days. This marks a renewed push to reshape trade relationships under Trump’s protectionist economic agenda, which seeks to prioritize American industry by raising costs on foreign imports.
Tariff Rates to Range from 10% to as High as 70%
In his latest comments to reporters, Trump stated that the new duties would range from 10% to as high as 70%, a dramatic increase from his earlier outlined maximum of 50%. This sharp escalation represents an aggressive shift in trade policy that could have serious implications for global supply chains. The former president did not specify which countries would be affected or whether the higher tariff rates would apply across all products or only to specific categories such as automobiles, electronics, or steel.
Trump Sets July 9 Deadline for Final Trade Negotiations
The announcement comes just days ahead of a July 9 deadline set by Trump for concluding trade negotiations. Countries facing the prospect of steep tariffs are now under increased pressure to finalize bilateral or sector-specific agreements with the US before the import taxes come into effect. While the exact contents of each letter remain undisclosed, Trump made clear that each document would contain a direct statement of the tariff rates applicable to goods from that country, streamlining the process. “My inclination is to send a letter out and say what tariff they’re going to be paying,” Trump said. “It’s just much easier.”
Tariffs as a Tool to Rebalance Trade and Protect US Industry
Tariffs are taxes levied on imported goods and are generally paid by the importer of record. In practice, this often translates to higher retail prices for consumers or reduced profit margins for foreign suppliers. The former president has long argued that increased tariffs serve two main purposes: raising revenue for the US government and encouraging domestic production by making imported goods more expensive. “We want more money flowing into the US,” Trump has stated previously. “We want American companies to compete fairly.”
Europe and Asia Among the Targets of US Tariff Plans
Although Trump did not name the specific countries that would receive the initial letters, several key trade partners are reportedly bracing for potential increases. The European Union has already been threatened with tariffs that could reach up to 50%, up from the 20% range previously discussed. Japan could see tariffs as high as 35% on some categories of goods. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom and United States have made partial progress on a bilateral deal covering automobiles, beef, and bioethanol—but talks on steel and other critical sectors remain unresolved.
US-China Trade Conflict: Past Tensions Inform Current Strategy
Trump’s renewed tariff strategy is reminiscent of the 2021–2022 US-China trade war, where both economic giants imposed crippling tariffs on each other’s exports. At one point, the US levied 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, prompting China to respond with 125% tariffs. Eventually, negotiations brought those figures down to 30% and 10%, respectively. The thawing of tensions led to limited agreements on the export of rare earth minerals and loosening of tech restrictions. However, Trump’s recent comments suggest that he is prepared to reengage with this combative approach if countries do not make concessions on trade terms.
Global Economic Tensions Set to Escalate
With letters on the way and a firm August 1 implementation date looming, global markets are watching closely to assess how trade partners will respond. Businesses that rely on imported components or raw materials may soon face rising costs, while governments must weigh whether to accept US demands or retaliate with tariffs of their own. Trump’s approach underscores a growing trend in international economics: the resurgence of protectionism and nationalistic trade policy in an increasingly interconnected world.
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