Trump Signs Tariff Letters to 12 Countries, Ranging Up to 70%

Unilateral approach replaces stalled negotiations as U.S. imposes steep trade deadlines.

On July 5, 2025, President Donald Trump confirmed he has signed official tariff letters to 12 countries. These letters specify import duties—starting at 10% and rising as high as 70%—and will be mailed on Monday. The move comes ahead of the expiration of a 90-day negotiation pause ending July 9.

Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, stated, “The letters are better … much easier to send a letter.” The new approach marks a departure from one-on-one deals toward a direct, unilateral method.

Only the UK and Vietnam have reached agreements to lock in reduced tariffs of 10% and 20%, respectively. The identities of the other 10 countries have not yet been disclosed, though analysts suggest nations like Japan, the EU, and India could be among them.

If no deals are reached by July 9, the new tariff schedule could take effect on August 1, potentially escalating into a broader trade dispute.