Shah Aijaz CNI

Washington D.C., July 5, 2025 – U.S. President Donald Trump said he’s signed off on a fresh round of tariff warnings to 12 countries, with official letters set to be delivered Monday, July 7. He didn’t name the countries yet — that info, he says, will be public on the day the letters go out.

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump called these offers “take it or leave it,” adding that each country will face different tariff rates on goods they send to the U.S.

Just days ago, on July 3, Trump had hinted the first set of letters might go out on July 4. But with Independence Day being a national holiday, the date was pushed back to Monday.

Back in April, Trump shook up global trade by announcing a new 10% base tariff on imports — with some countries facing possible surcharges of up to 50%. These extra charges were paused for 90 days to allow for talks. That pause ends July 9.

Now, Trump says tariffs could go even higher — some up to 70% — and may begin on August 1. “I signed some letters and they’ll go out Monday,” he told reporters. “Different countries, different tariffs.”

Originally, Trump aimed to negotiate one-on-one deals with many countries. But after slow progress, especially with the EU and Japan, he’s changed course. “The letters are better,” he said. “Much easier.”

So far, only two trade deals have been finalized — one with the UK (keeping a 10% tariff and sweet deals for cars and jet engines), and another with Vietnam (cutting tariffs to 20% from 46%, and giving U.S. goods easier access there).

A hoped-for deal with India hasn’t happened, and talks with the EU are stuck. EU officials are now thinking of just sticking to the current setup to dodge higher tariffs.

With the July 9 deadline closing in fast, the world is watching — and waiting.

Source: New Agencies