In a bold move, President Trump has threatened several nations with increased tariffs unless new trade deals are struck by early August.
**Trump Unveils New Wave of Tariff Threats Ahead of Trade Deadline**
**Trump Unveils New Wave of Tariff Threats Ahead of Trade Deadline**
Trump signals potential economic ramifications as countries scramble to negotiate new trade agreements.
By Christine Zhang and Tony Romm
July 7, 2025, 4:34 p.m. ET
President Trump has issued a stark warning to Japan, South Korea, and five other countries, stating they will face steep tariffs of at least 25 percent beginning August 1 unless immediate trade negotiations with the U.S. can successfully take place. The announcement, made publicly via letters sent to the leaders of these nations and shared on social media, reignites Trump’s previously seen trade tactics and suggests that further threats may be made as the week unfolds.
The newly imposed tariff rates will replace the high duties that Trump had initially suspended in April, when he announced a temporary 90-day pause on what he referred to as "reciprocal levies." This pause was intended to facilitate favorable trade agreements, yet the administration has not made significant headway toward its goal of negotiating “90 deals in 90 days,” with the deadline looming just days away.
In a calculated attempt to extend this timeline, Trump is expected to formally sign an executive order that prolongs the pause while simultaneously notifying the affected countries of the impending tariff changes due next month. The tariffs will affect Japan and South Korea — each contributing roughly 4 percent of U.S. imports — both now facing a 25 percent tax on their goods starting in August. Meanwhile, Myanmar has been singled out for a 40 percent tariff, despite its minimal export volume to the U.S.
Further escalating the stakes, President Trump has threatened to impose additional tariff increases should any of the targeted countries retaliate with their own import taxes or attempt to circumvent U.S. tariffs through other nations. In the days ahead, additional countries are likely to receive similar notifications regarding tariffs that were initially outlined by Trump in previous communications.
Christine Zhang is a Times reporter specializing in graphics and data journalism. Tony Romm covers economic policy and the Trump administration for The Times, based in Washington.
July 7, 2025, 4:34 p.m. ET
President Trump has issued a stark warning to Japan, South Korea, and five other countries, stating they will face steep tariffs of at least 25 percent beginning August 1 unless immediate trade negotiations with the U.S. can successfully take place. The announcement, made publicly via letters sent to the leaders of these nations and shared on social media, reignites Trump’s previously seen trade tactics and suggests that further threats may be made as the week unfolds.
The newly imposed tariff rates will replace the high duties that Trump had initially suspended in April, when he announced a temporary 90-day pause on what he referred to as "reciprocal levies." This pause was intended to facilitate favorable trade agreements, yet the administration has not made significant headway toward its goal of negotiating “90 deals in 90 days,” with the deadline looming just days away.
In a calculated attempt to extend this timeline, Trump is expected to formally sign an executive order that prolongs the pause while simultaneously notifying the affected countries of the impending tariff changes due next month. The tariffs will affect Japan and South Korea — each contributing roughly 4 percent of U.S. imports — both now facing a 25 percent tax on their goods starting in August. Meanwhile, Myanmar has been singled out for a 40 percent tariff, despite its minimal export volume to the U.S.
Further escalating the stakes, President Trump has threatened to impose additional tariff increases should any of the targeted countries retaliate with their own import taxes or attempt to circumvent U.S. tariffs through other nations. In the days ahead, additional countries are likely to receive similar notifications regarding tariffs that were initially outlined by Trump in previous communications.
Christine Zhang is a Times reporter specializing in graphics and data journalism. Tony Romm covers economic policy and the Trump administration for The Times, based in Washington.
