President Donald Trump announced late Thursday that his administration will begin sending formal letters to trading partners on Friday, outlining steep tariff increases that will take effect on August 1.
The first batch of letters will reach about 10 to 12 countries, with additional notifications following “over the next few days,” the president said.
Tariffs to climb as high as 70 per cent: President Trump Administration
According to President Trump, the new duties will fall into two bands, roughly 60 to 70 per cent for some nations and 10 to 20 per cent for others.
“You’re going to pay a 20 per cent or 30 per cent tariff,” he told reporters, adding that he prefers a straightforward plan over multiple complex deals.
The letters arrive just ahead of the administration’s July 9 deadline to finalise negotiations launched during a 90‑day pause, which temporarily capped most tariffs at 10 per cent.
President Trump indicated that while talks continue with roughly a dozen countries, including India, the higher rates will automatically kick in on August 1 if no agreements are reached.
Talks with India enter ‘last lap’
India’s delegation, led by Special Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, is in Washington this week to hammer out an interim pact before the deadline.
US negotiators are pressing for wider market access for American agricultural and dairy products, a sticking point New Delhi considers vital for protecting small farmers.
Even if negotiators secure an interim accord before July 9, both sides expect to pursue a broader trade agreement in September or October. President Trump, who has recently highlighted deals with Vietnam and China, said last month that Washington and New Delhi “may sign an agreement that will open up India for US goods.”
Simple structure, global reach
President Trump justified the blanket tariff strategy by noting the logistical burden of customs agreements with more than 170 countries.
“I’d rather just do a simple deal where you can maintain it and control it,” he said, underscoring his preference for uniform tariffs over nuanced bilateral arrangements.
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