US President Donald Trump on Monday (July 7) sent formal letters to a 5 more countries, including Japan and South Korea, announcing new tariffs ranging from 25% to 40% on imports, effective August 1. The move marks a renewed push to force new trade deals before an earlier-imposed July 9 deadline.

The letters cited “significant trade deficits” and warned of penalties for any retaliatory tariff hikes, stating such moves would be matched “on top of the 25%” rate. However, the letters also left room for negotiation, with Trump saying the US would “perhaps consider an adjustment” if trade barriers are removed.

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Tunisia hit with 25% US tariff in Trump’s expanding 5 more countries trade offensive

Trump announced a 25% tariff on all Tunisian products entering the United States. The tariffs are set to take effect on August 1, 2025. This rate is separate from all sectoral tariffs.

Trump blamed Tunisia’s “Tariff and Non-Tariff Policies and Trade Barriers” for persistent trade deficits. He described the US–Tunisia trading relationship as “far from reciprocal.” The U.S. trade deficit with Tunisia was cited as a threat to U.S. economic and national security.

Trump offered Tunisia a chance to avoid tariffs if Tunisian firms build or manufacture products in the US. He said US authorities would fast-track approvals for such operations.

If Tunisia imposes retaliatory tariffs, the US would add that amount to the 25% base tariff. Goods transshipped to evade tariffs will be subject to the higher rate. If Tunisia opens its markets and removes trade barriers, the US may “consider an adjustment” to the tariff rate.

Trump threatens 25–40% tariffs on South Africa, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, Kazakhstan

US President Donald Trump escalated his global trade offensive on Monday (July 7), issuing fresh tariff warning letters to five additional countries — South Africa, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, and Kazakhstan — after already targeting Japan and South Korea. The letters threaten new import duties ranging from 25% to 40% starting August 1, in a sweeping move to rebalance what he calls “decades of unfair trade”.

The letters — nearly identical in tone and content — warned of tariffs ranging from 25% to 40% on all goods exported from these countries to the United States. Trump cited long-standing trade deficits and “non-reciprocal” relationships as justification.

Tariffs to hit on August 1

Each letter outlined the specific tariff rate for the respective country:

Trump stated that the US had “agreed to continue working” with each nation despite its “significant Trade Deficit” with the United States but stressed that “our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from Reciprocal.”

“We will charge you a Tariff…”

Trump emphasized that the proposed tariffs are separate from all sector-specific tariffs and could increase if the targeted nations retaliated. He warned that “goods transshipped to evade a higher Tariff will be subject to that higher Tariff.”

In each case, he offered a path to avoid the duties: if companies from the targeted countries choose to manufacture goods within the US, “there will be no Tariff,” and approvals for such moves would be “quickly, professionally, and routinely” granted.

Economic nationalism and security

Echoing language used in previous trade spats, Trump justified the new tariffs not just on economic grounds, but as a matter of national security. “This Deficit is a major threat to our Economy and, indeed, our National Security!” the letters declare.

The White House had previously postponed tariffs set to take effect on July 9, opting instead for this formal notification phase ahead of the new August 1 implementation date.

“Perhaps, consider an adjustment”

In a somewhat conciliatory tone, Trump left open the possibility of modifying the tariff rates: “If you wish to open your heretofore closed Trading Markets to the United States… we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter.”

He added that tariff levels “may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your Country.”

Trump slaps 25% tariffs on Japan and South Korea

Trump earlier in the day announced new tariffs on imports from Japan and South Korea, escalating trade tensions with two of the United States‘ closest allies. The 25% duty is set to take effect August 1, as Washington ramps up pressure to secure what it calls “reciprocal” trade relationships.