Trump administration communicates new trade measures through official letters
Former President Donald Trump sent formal letters to the leaders of 14 nations announcing that new tariff rates on their exports to the United States will take effect on August 1. The announcement was accompanied by an executive order delaying a previous trade deal deadline from July 9 to August 1.
In letters shared on social media, Trump stated that the U.S. will continue working with these countries despite ongoing trade deficits. He also remarked that trade relations have not been reciprocal, a rationale behind the updated tariffs.
Country-specific tariff rates
The new tariffs will apply as follows:
- Bangladesh: 35%
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: 30%
- Cambodia: 36%
- Indonesia: 32%
- Japan: 25%
- Kazakhstan: 25%
- Laos: 40%
- Malaysia: 25%
- Myanmar: 40%
- Serbia: 35%
- South Africa: 30%
- South Korea: 25%
- Thailand: 36%
- Tunisia: 25%
Broader context and economic impact
The new measures follow a series of trade policy shifts introduced in April. While Trump has presented tariffs as leverage to promote fairer trade agreements, economists note that the financial burden is typically borne by U.S. companies and consumers.
Trump also indicated that transshipped goods—products made elsewhere but routed through the affected countries—will be subject to higher tariffs. In addition, he warned that retaliatory tariffs would be met with equivalent increases.
Countries could avoid the new tariffs if their companies choose to relocate production to the U.S., as outlined in the letters.
