US President Donald Trump has announced that the US will start charging a 25% tariff (tax) on goods imported from Japan and South Korea starting August 1, 2025. He shared this news by posting official letters on his social media platform, Truth Social.
In recent days, Trump had said he would send letters to many countries warning them about new tariff rates unless trade agreements are reached. On Sunday, he said he might send up to 15 letters, and if no deals are made, the US will return to the higher tariffs he announced earlier in April.
However, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said these tariffs won’t start until August 1. This gives countries more time to negotiate and make trade deals, as the current uncertainty is affecting global markets.
Read more: India-US Mini Trade Deal Finalised: Tariff Cuts Agreed, Announcement Due Today
Trump posted on Truth Social:
“I am happy to announce that the United States will start sending tariff letters and trade deal offers to countries around the world starting Monday, July 7 at 12 PM (Eastern Time).”
He also warned that countries who are closely connected with the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) could face an extra 10% tariff. Trump accused them of being “anti-American” for criticizing his policies at a recent summit.
Back on April 2 — which Trump called “Liberation Day” — he introduced broad tariffs, including a 10% tax on goods from nearly all countries. Some nations, including those in the European Union, were told they’d face even higher tariffs.
As global stock markets reacted negatively, Trump paused the tariffs for 90 days to allow time for negotiations. That pause ends this Wednesday. So far, the US has only made trade deals with the UK and Vietnam, and reached a temporary agreement with China to lower tariffs on some products.
While boarding Air Force One on Sunday, Trump told reporters he would be sending 12 to 15 letters to countries on Monday.
He also said that by July 9, most countries will have received a letter or completed a deal with the US. Some agreements are already finished.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that the 25% tariffs will definitely start on August 1. He made it clear this is not an extension — the US is simply announcing the official start date.
“This is the final date. If countries want to move faster and make deals, they can. But if they don’t, they will face the higher tariffs,” he said.
