Trump tariffs: US President Donald Trump issued six additional tariff letters to trading partners yesterday, July 9, bringing the total number of countries affected to 21. This follows a wave of back-to-back letters on his social media platform, Truth Social, for a total of 14 countries.
The fresh letters carry tariff rates that will come into effect from August 1, with an additional levy on those who are part of BRICS. Trump said that those who are part of the coalition will face tariffs “pretty soon” and added that there would be no exceptions.
This is because he said that the coalition attempted to “degenerate” and “destroy” the dollar, allegedly to help “another country take over and be the standard”. BRICS, of which India is a member, accounts for 45 per cent of the global population and contributes over 35 per cent to the world’s GDP.
Trump slaps fresh tariffs on six countries
Trump imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Brazil over the legal proceedings against former President Jair Bolsonaro, whom he has previously referred to as a friend. He also announced 30 per cent tariffs on Libya, Iraq, Sri Lanka, and Algeria, while Moldova and Brunei face a 25 per cent tariff.
In addition to country-specific tariffs, Trump expanded the scope of the trade war by imposing a 50 per cent tariff on imported copper. He also hinted at potential tariffs as high as 200 per cent on pharmaceutical products and said that he would introduce long-discussed levies on semiconductors.
Trump Tariffs: List of all the countries
| Country | Tariff Rate |
|---|---|
| Algeria | 30% |
| Bangladesh | 35% |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 30% |
| Brazil | 50% |
| Brunei | 25% |
| Cambodia | 36% |
| Indonesia | 32% |
| Iraq | 30% |
| Japan | 25% |
| Kazakhstan | 25% |
| Lao People’s Democratic Republic | 40% |
| Libya | 30% |
| Malaysia | 25% |
| Moldova | 25% |
| Myanmar | 40% |
| Republic of Serbia | 35% |
| Republic of Tunisia | 25% |
| South Africa | 30% |
| South Korea | 25% |
| Sri Lanka | 30% |
| Thailand | 36% |
Trump’s tariff letters
Trump has been randomly sharing letters on Truth Social after he made an announcement for the same on Truth Social. He then shared two letters, one for Japan and another for Korea. The President then took a pause before sharing the remaining letters.
Before “dispatching” the next batch of letters, he said that the tariffs will start being paid from August 1 and that there will be no change to the said date. “All money will be due and payable starting AUGUST 1, 2025 – No extensions will be granted,” he said.
All the letters start with the words: “It is a great honour for me to send you this letter in that it demonstrates the strength and commitment of our trading relationship and the fact that the United States of America has agreed to continue, despite having a significant trade deficit with your great Country.”
They then state that the Trump-led US administration has decided to “move forward”, but with more “balanced and fair trade”. “Therefore, we invite you to participate in the extraordinary economy of the United States, the Number One Market in the World, by far.”
They also mention that the tariffs he has levied on the said countries are “far from reciprocal”.
He also argued that this wouldn’t have been the case if the trading partners agreed to “build or manufacture” products in the US. He added, “In fact, we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely – In other words, in a matter of weeks.”
The letters further warned, “If for any reason you decide to raise your Tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by will be added onto the 25% that we charge.”
The President also said that these tariffs are necessary to correct the “unsustainable Trade Deficits against the United States”.
“These Tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your Country. You will never be disappointed with The United States of America,” Trump closed his letters with these lines.