Trump says to impose 25-pct tariffs on Japan, South Korea and other countries
3 min read
Donald Trump announces new 25% tariffs on imports from Japan and South Korea, reigniting global trade tensions.
Trump Targets Japan and South Korea With New 25% Tariffs, Warns of More to Come
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the imposition of 25% tariffs on imports from Japan and South Korea, effective August 1, reigniting trade tensions with two of America’s key allies in Asia.
In a pair of letters addressed directly to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, Trump made the announcement public via his Truth Social platform on Monday. He described the measures as part of a broader effort to narrow the U.S. trade deficit, adding that similar letters would be sent to around a dozen more countries in the coming days.
“Please understand that the 25 percent number is far less than what is needed to eliminate the trade deficit disparity we have with your country,” Trump wrote in both letters, which were nearly identical in wording.
‘Build in the U.S., or Pay’
In his message, Trump urged both countries and their companies to relocate manufacturing operations to the United States to avoid the new tariff charges.
“There will be no tariff if Korea, or companies within your country, decide to build or manufacture product within the United States,” he wrote. “In fact, we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely — in other words, in a matter of weeks.”
He emphasized that these new tariffs are “separate from all other sectoral tariffs”, suggesting a standalone policy apart from existing trade structures or negotiations.
Executive Order Expected
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Monday afternoon that the president plans to issue an executive order to extend the current pause on reciprocal tariffs from July 9 to August 1, providing time for affected companies to adapt.
Leavitt said that “about 12 more nations” would receive similar tariff notifications, which would also be published on Truth Social.
While the White House has not released the full list of countries, trade analysts expect the European Union, India, and Brazil to be among those targeted next.
Escalation Risks and Trade Fallout
Trump’s warning to Japan and South Korea includes a clear threat of retaliation: if either country raises its own tariffs in response, the United States “will increase its tariffs by the same amount.”
This tit-for-tat approach mirrors Trump’s trade tactics during his first term, particularly his trade war with China. While Trump claims the moves are aimed at protecting American jobs and correcting “decades of unfair trade,” economists warn of potential disruptions to global supply chains, higher consumer prices, and diplomatic fallout with U.S. allies.
Japan and South Korea are both critical players in global technology and automotive industries. U.S. imports from the two nations include semiconductors, electric vehicle components, and advanced machinery.
Allies Caught Off Guard
Early reactions from Japanese and South Korean officials were measured but hinted at concern. Neither government issued an official response immediately after Trump’s post, but sources close to both administrations described the move as “unexpected and unilateral.”
Trade experts say the decision could strain diplomatic ties, especially as the U.S. seeks cooperation with Tokyo and Seoul on broader regional challenges — including China’s economic influence and North Korea’s weapons program.
Broader Strategy?
Trump has made tariff threats and trade reshoring a major theme of his second-term agenda, framing it as an economic nationalist strategy to boost U.S. manufacturing and reduce foreign dependency.
Critics argue that this approach risks isolating the United States from global markets, while allies fear becoming collateral damage in Washington’s shifting trade priorities.
With more tariff announcements expected soon, businesses across multiple countries are now bracing for new trade uncertainties in the months leading up to the U.S. presidential election.
About The Author
