Trump states new tariffs on Japan, ROK

(MENAFN) U.S. President Donald Trump declared Monday that new 25-percent tariffs will be applied to imports from Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK), starting August 1. The announcement was made through social media posts, where he also shared official letters addressed to the leaders of both countries.

In the nearly identical letters, Trump emphasized that the new tariffs would be implemented independently of existing sector-specific tariffs.

"Please understand that the 25% number is far less than what is needed to eliminate the Trade Deficit disparity we have with your Country," he stated.

Trump also issued a warning: if either country retaliates by increasing their own tariffs, the U.S. would respond with equivalent tariff hikes.

"As you are aware, there will be no Tariff if Korea, or companies within your Country, decide to build or manufacture product within the United States and, in fact, we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely -- In other words, in a matter of weeks," Trump wrote.

Earlier, Trump had indicated he would be contacting around a dozen nations with similar notices. That plan was confirmed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who said on Monday afternoon that the president will be signing an executive order to extend the pause on so-called "reciprocal tariffs" from July 9 until August 1. Leavitt also noted that about a dozen other countries would soon receive similar letters, all of which would be posted on Trump’s social media platform.

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