US President Donald Trump has announced fresh tariffs on Japan and South Korea, warning both countries to expect serious consequences if they retaliate. In letters sent on Monday, Trump informed the two nations that the United States will impose a 25 percent tariff on their goods starting from August 1.
Trump accused Japan and South Korea of unfair trade practices, saying their deals with the US were “far from reciprocal.”
Trump Hits Japan And South Korea With New Tariffs Starting August
In his words, Trump said, “Starting from August 1, tariffs will apply because their trading relationships with Washington are unfortunately, far from reciprocal.”
The letters were nearly identical and delivered ahead of Wednesday’s deadline to reach trade deals with Washington.
Trump first announced plans for these sweeping tariffs back in April during what he called “Liberation Day.” He claimed the US had been “ripped off” by other countries for years.
Following backlash, he paused the tariffs for 90 days. That pause will officially end this week.
Although officials earlier denied any delay beyond the original deadline, the US government now says the tariffs will officially take effect on August 1.
Trump also warned Japan and South Korea against responding with their own tariffs. He hinted at even tougher actions if they retaliate.
However, he left room for a possible rollback. Trump said he was willing to reduce or remove the tariffs if both countries agreed to adjust their trade policies.
Trump Hits Japan And South Korea With New Tariffs As Trade Talks Stall
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba remained firm in his response. He stated on Sunday, “I won’t easily compromise” in trade negotiations with the US.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has tried to strike as many trade deals as possible before the deadline. At one point, they promised “90 deals in 90 days.”
So far, only a few agreements have been reached, including deals with Britain and Vietnam. The US and China also agreed to ease tariffs temporarily.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent sounded more optimistic. He told CNBC that several new trade offers were on the table.
“We are going to have several announcements in the next 48 hours,” Bessent said. “Many countries have changed their tone in talks with us. My mailbox was full of proposals last night,” he added.
When asked if the August 1 tariff deadline would be extended, there was no clear answer from the White House.
Bessent explained that the letters from Trump simply inform Japan and South Korea of the new tariff rates unless they decide to return to negotiations.
He also mentioned that talks with China would resume soon, with meetings expected in the next few weeks.
Trump Hits Japan And South Korea With New Tariffs Amid Global Tension
While some trade talks continue, the pause on US-China tariffs will end in mid-August unless progress is made.
Trump’s trade adviser, Peter Navarro, defended the administration’s progress, stating, “I am happy with the progress we’ve had. Every country where we have a major trade deficit is fully engaged with us.”
Trump has also threatened a separate 10 percent tariff on countries that align with BRICS, accusing them of supporting “anti-American policies” after their leaders condemned his tariffs during a summit.
However, many countries are still scrambling to prevent Trump’s tariffs from being enforced.
The European Union’s chief, Ursula von der Leyen, reportedly had a “good exchange” with Trump during their recent trade discussions.
Trump has made it clear that the new tariffs on Japan and South Korea will begin on August 1 unless both nations agree to change their trade rules. His message is simple: accept US trade terms or face heavy costs.
