Trump sends letters to Japan and South Korea announcing 25% tariffs on Aug. 1

“We have had years to discuss our Trading Relationship with Japan, and have concluded that we must move away from these longterm, and very persistent, Trade Deficits engendered by Japan’s Tariff, and Non Tariff, Policies, and Trade Barriers,” the president wrote, sending an identical letter to South Korea.

Trump added that the U.S.’s trade relationships with Japan and South Korea have been, “unfortunately, far from Reciprocal,” warning the countries against retaliating to his tariffs and reminding them they can mitigate the duties through foreign investment in the U.S.

“Starting on August 1, 2025, we will charge Japan a Tariff of only 25% on any and all Japanese products sent into the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs,” he wrote. “Goods transshipped to evade a higher Tariff will be subject to that higher Tariff.”

An hour later, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt previewed that 12 other countries would be receiving similar letters in the coming days. Leavitt also defended Trump from criticism that he has repeatedly extended his tariff deadlines before the president signs an executive order on Monday evening delaying his July 9 Liberation Day duty deadline until August 1.

“Within the next month, more deals will be made and those countries continue to negotiate with the United States,” she told reporters during a briefing. “We’ve seen a lot of policy positive developments in the right direction, but the administration, the president, and his trade team want to cut the best deals for the American people and the American worker. That’s what they’re focused on. And in the effort of transparency, these letters will continue to be posted to Truth Social.”

Leavitt did not provide more details regarding prospective sectoral tariffs, but underscored Trump’s announcement last weekend concerning an additional 10% duty to be placed on imports from “any country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS.”

“The president feels, generally speaking, that BRICS is seeking to undermine the interests of the United States,” Leavitt said. “It’s the president’s utmost responsibility to put the interests of the United States first. That’s how he’s used his job as president.”

BRICS is an intergovernmental organization of 10 countries comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates that was created as a counterpart to the Group of Seven economic grouping. G7 members include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the U.S., in addition to the European Union.

TRUMP ANNOUNCES 10% TARIFFS FOR BRICS-ALIGNED COUNTRIES AS TRADE DEAL ROLLOUT EXPECTED

Since Liberation Day in April, Trump has only managed to negotiate trade deals with the United Kingdom and Vietnam, though agreements are reportedly close between the U.S. and the European Union and India.

On Liberation Day, Trump announced a 10% baseline tariff on all imported goods, as well as steeper duties on products from countries with especially high trade deficits with the U.S. But after the stock market roiled in response, the president paused the steeper tariffs for 90 days, promising 90 trade deals during the three-month time period ending July 9.