First Wave of Trump’s Tariff Letters Targets 14 Countries with Rates Ranging from 25% to 40%, Effective August 1; EU Reportedly Nearing Agreement

On July 7 (Eastern Time), U.S. President Donald Trump initiated the first phase of tariff notification letters, beginning with new measures directed at Japan and South Korea. As reported by CCTV News, Trump shared letters on social media addressed to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, announcing that effective August 1, 2025, the United States would apply a 25% tariff to all imported goods from both nations.

The White House later confirmed plans to issue similar notifications to twelve additional countries and noted that more letters are forthcoming. An executive order is expected to be signed, extending the original tariff negotiation deadline from July 9 to August 1.

Following these announcements, Trump revealed specific tariff rates for the twelve countries targeted in the next wave. Beginning August 1, imports from Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and Tunisia will face a 25% duty. South Africa and Bosnia and Herzegovina will be subject to a 30% tariff. Imports from Indonesia will incur a 32% levy, while Bangladesh and Serbia will see rates of 35%. Thailand and Cambodia will be taxed at 36%, and goods from Laos and Myanmar will carry a 40% tariff. Trump clarified that these tariffs will be independent of any sector-specific duties already in place.

In correspondence with the fifteen affected nations, Trump warned that any efforts to circumvent these measures through third-country transshipment would lead to increased tariffs. He also noted that entities from these countries operating or manufacturing within the United States would be exempt. Additionally, he stated that any retaliatory tariff actions taken by these nations would be met with reciprocal measures equal to or greater than the original rates.

On July 7, a White House official confirmed to CCTV News that the United States would not combine country-specific tariffs with existing industry-based tariffs. No detailed tariff figures for the European Union were shared by either Trump or the White House. However, media sources indicate that the EU is unlikely to be included in this tariff notification round and is reportedly nearing a preliminary trade arrangement with the Trump administration. The proposed framework may cap tariffs at 10% after August 1, leaving room for continued negotiations toward a permanent agreement. The EU is also aiming to secure exemptions for certain key export categories, such as aircraft and alcoholic beverages.

Earlier that Monday, EU spokesperson Olof Gill remarked that the EU and U.S. were making progress toward a principle-based trade accord. Portuguese Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento added that the prospective deal could result in a tariff rate below 10%