US President Donald Trump has ramped up his trade offensive, threatening steep new tariffs on 14 countries unless they agree to buy more American goods and increase US-based manufacturing.
Tariffs range from 25 per cent to 40 per cent and are set to take effect on August 1, unless new deals are struck.
Trump said the US wants “balanced and fair trade,” warning that any retaliation would trigger even higher tariffs.
The president left room for negotiations, saying the August 1 deadline is “not 100 per cent firm.” Countries that lower trade barriers could see their tariffs reduced.
“If you open your markets to the US and drop your tariffs and trade barriers, we might adjust these tariffs,” Trump said in letters to the leaders of the affected nations.
Countries Facing New US Tariffs:
40% tariffs
Laos
Myanmar
36% tariffs
Thailand
Cambodia
35% tariffs
Bangladesh
Serbia
32% tariffs
Indonesia
30% tariffs
South Africa
Bosnia and Herzegovina
25% tariffs
Japan
South Korea
Malaysia
Kazakhstan
Tunisia
Key points and the reactions of Trump’s tariffs
Many of the affected countries rely heavily on exports and had previously faced a lower baseline tariff of 10%.
Japan called the US move “truly regrettable” but said it would keep negotiating for a better deal.
South Korea and Malaysia also signaled they would seek talks to avoid steep tariffs.
Trump said agreements have already been secured with the UK and Vietnam, and talks with India are close to conclusion.
Trump’s push for tougher trade deals comes amid broader efforts to reshape global supply chains and protect US industries. Many countries now face pressure to open their markets or risk significant economic fallout from higher US tariffs.