Trump Signs Tariff Letters to 12 Countries, Set for July 7 Release

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to New Jersey, Trump declined to name the targeted countries, stating that the list would be made public once the letters are dispatched.

“I signed some letters and they’ll go out on Monday — probably twelve,” Trump said. “Different amounts of money, different amounts of tariffs.”

The announcement marks a significant escalation in Trump's global trade strategy, which has already rattled financial markets and triggered concerns among policymakers worldwide.

In April 2025, Trump unveiled a 10% base tariff on all goods imported into the U.S., with the potential for additional country-specific surcharges as high as 50%. However, those additional tariffs were suspended for 90 days to allow time for negotiations. That suspension ends on July 9.

Now, Trump warns tariffs could climb even higher — up to 70% in some cases — and implementation is expected to begin August 1.

Trump initially favored launching detailed negotiations with multiple countries, but has reportedly lost patience due to delays and failed talks, particularly with Japan and the European Union.

“The letters are better… much easier to send a letter,” Trump told reporters Friday, suggesting a shift from drawn-out negotiations to unilateral tariff decisions.

The President offered no comment on whether broader trade deals might still be struck before the July 9 deadline.

Out of dozens of ongoing discussions, only two countries have finalized agreements with the Trump administration:

United Kingdom: Reached a deal in May to retain the 10% base tariff, with preferential treatment for sectors like autos and aircraft engines.

Vietnam: Secured a reduction in threatened tariffs from 46% to 20%, and gained duty-free access for many U.S. goods.

Efforts to finalize a trade agreement with India have stalled, and EU officials confirmed on Friday that their own negotiations with Washington have also failed to yield a breakthrough. European diplomats are now seeking to extend the status quo to prevent tariff hikes.

With the July 9 deadline looming, and tariffs potentially surging by August 1, the global trade landscape could face major disruptions in the coming weeks.

The full list of the 12 countries receiving tariff letters is expected to be disclosed on July 7, with the letters detailing specific tariff rates per nation and product category.