From Canada to every corner of Asia: Which countries have received Trump's tariff letters?

The Trump administration has resumed its aggressive push for bilateral trade deals by notifying more than 20 countries of impending tariff hikes.

The formal notifications, delivered via presidential letters and social media posts this month, indicate that unless new trade agreements are reached with the United States by August 1, these countries will face significantly higher import taxes — some rising to as high as 50 per cent.

These letters mark a return to the strategy US President Donald Trump launched in April under the banner of “reciprocal tariffs.”

The earlier plan saw elevated duties applied to dozens of nations, but was temporarily suspended within hours of enforcement.

A revised timeline, extending the pause until August 1, was confirmed this month through an executive order following the administration’s failure to meet its original target of finalising 90 trade agreements in 90 days.

More from Explainers

US declares TRF, behind Pahalgam attack, a terror group: Why this is a big diplomatic win for India China GDP grows 5.2%, Xi gets a boost for hammering out final trade deal with Trump

This new wave of warnings features adjustments to many of the earlier tariff rates, either upward or downward, and has widened the net to include new nations.

While the core message remains the same — renegotiate trade terms or face penalties — the list targets pretty much everyone around the globe, spread from Southeast Asia to Eastern Europe, West Asia to Latin America, and even neighbouring Canada.

Which countries has Trump targeted via tariff letters?

Brazil

Brazil, previously subject only to a 10 per cent blanket tariff since April, has now been informed of a steep hike to 50 per cent effective August 1.

This sharp increase comes amid political undertones, as Trump expressed displeasure over legal proceedings against Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reacted strongly, invoking Brazil’s economic reciprocity law, which allows suspension of trade and investment agreements with countries seen as undermining Brazil’s competitiveness.

Editor’s Picks

1

Trump’s trade wars expose chink in global economic order 2

Brics joint statement on Iran: A challenge for Trump

Lula also pointed out that over the past 15 years, the US has enjoyed a trade surplus exceeding $410 billion with Brazil.

Canada

Although previously untouched by the reciprocal tariff campaign, Canada has now been informed that a 35 per cent levy will be placed on select imports beginning next month.

Trump tied the action to concerns over the movement of fentanyl across the US-Canada border.

However, the tariff is not expected to cover all Canadian exports, as many are protected under existing trade frameworks.

Asia

Multiple Asian economies, many of them garment and electronics exporters, have received updated tariff figures:

Japan: Japan’s new rate is 25 per cent, a modest increase from April’s proposed 24 per cent. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba described the decision as “extremely regrettable” and stated that his government intends to continue pursuing a resolution.

South Korea: South Korea, also facing a 25 per cent duty — unchanged from April — has signalled an intention to expedite trade talks to avoid enforcement of the tariffs.

Myanmar: Tariff reduced to 40 per cent from 44 per cent. Military spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun stated that the government is seeking further negotiations.

Laos: Rate cut to 40 per cent from 48 per cent.

Cambodia: Tariff lowered to 36 per cent from 49 per cent. Chief negotiator Sun Chanthol welcomed the reduction and called for calm among garment sector stakeholders while preparing for another negotiation round.

Thailand: Tariff unchanged at 36 per cent. Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced that Thailand had submitted a proposal to increase US market access to Thai energy, agriculture and industrial products.

Bangladesh: Slight drop to 35 per cent from 37 per cent. Finance adviser Salehuddin Ahmed acknowledged ongoing concerns that additional costs could undermine garment exports and hoped for better terms through talks.

Philippines: Rate increased to 20 per cent from April’s 17 per cent. No official response has been released.

Malaysia: Tariff moved up to 25 per cent from 24 per cent. The government has confirmed that a cabinet meeting is scheduled to address this matter and discuss next steps.

Indonesia: Tariff remains at 32 per cent. No changes have been made since April.

Sri Lanka: Tariff rate significantly reduced to 30 per cent from the earlier proposed 44 per cent.

Kazakhstan: Revised rate stands at 25 per cent, a slight drop from 27 per cent. Key exports include oil and minerals.

Brunei: Rate increased marginally to 25 per cent from 24 per cent. Its exports include mineral fuels and machinery.

Iraq: Tariff rate cut to 30 per cent from 39 per cent. Crude oil remains a primary export to the US.

Africa

Libya: Rate slightly reduced to 30 per cent from 31 per cent.

Algeria: Rate held steady at 30 per cent. Petroleum and construction materials dominate its export portfolio.

Tunisia: Tariff decreased to 25 per cent from 28 per cent.

South Africa: Tariff fixed at 30 per cent. In response, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office issued a statement rejecting the characterisation of US-South Africa trade ties but said diplomatic dialogue would continue. South Africa submitted a trade proposal on May 20 seeking a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Eastern Europe

Serbia: Tariff cut to 35 per cent from 37 per cent. Software, IT services and automotive components are key exports.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Tariff lowered to 30 per cent from 35 per cent, with military goods forming a large part of its export basket.

Moldova: Revised rate set at 25 per cent, down from 31 per cent. It exports beverages, clothing, and plastics.

While most targeted countries have had to contend with at least a 10 per cent import duty since April, the newer round of measures reflect customised rates, often aligned with political or economic signals.

Notably, Brazil and Canada were not included in the original April 1 list but are now among the hardest hit.

The full list of countries (so far), along with the revised tariff rates, includes:

2. Canada (35 per cent)

3. Brazil (50 per cent)

4. Japan (25 per cent)

5. South Korea (25 per cent)

6. Thailand (36 per cent)

7. Malaysia (25 per cent)

8. Indonesia (32 per cent)

9. South Africa (30 per cent)

10. Philippines (20 per cent)

11. Cambodia (36 per cent)

12. Bangladesh (35 per cent)

13. Serbia (35 per cent)

14. Bosnia and Herzegovina (30 per cent)

15. Kazakhstan (25 per cent)

16. Laos (40 per cent)

17. Myanmar (40 per cent)

18. Tunisia (25 per cent)

19. Iraq (30 per cent)

20. Libya (30 per cent)

21. Brunei (25 per cent)

22. Sri Lanka (30 per cent)

23. Moldova (25 per cent)

According to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity, many of these countries constitute a relatively small share of overall US imports, with exceptions like Canada (12.6 per cent), Japan (4.5 per cent) and South Korea (4 per cent).

Europe awaits its letter from Trump

As of July 10, the European Union has not received a formal tariff letter. However, Trump stated that a notification to the EU is imminent and could be dispatched “probably two days off.”

He noted that European negotiators have become “very nice” in ongoing discussions. An EU spokesperson confirmed on July 9 that the bloc is working toward an agreement “in the coming days,” with the European Commission leading the negotiations.

EU diplomats have conveyed that while a 10 per cent baseline tariff on their exports is expected, exemptions may be granted for sectors such as cosmetics, aerospace and alcoholic beverages.

Negotiations may continue right up to the August 1 deadline.

Additional sector-specific tariffs planned

Beyond country-specific levies, the Trump administration has also outlined forthcoming duties for certain industries.

Trump announced that copper will soon face a 50 per cent tariff, while pharmaceuticals could be taxed up to 200 per cent. He indicated that companies would be given time to relocate their manufacturing operations in light of these changes.

These actions are part of a broader trade enforcement strategy that already includes existing duties on steel, aluminium and automobile imports.

Also Watch:

Legal challenges to Trump’s approach remain active in US courts, and industry groups have expressed concern about the burden these duties will place on domestic consumers and businesses that rely on global supply chains.

Trump has warned against countermeasures, cautioning that nations choosing to respond with their own import restrictions could face even higher US tariffs.

Efforts to reroute goods through third countries to bypass duties have also been flagged as grounds for further escalation.

Countries across the globe are now weighing their options — negotiate, retaliate, or absorb the costs.

With inputs from agencies