The United States will impose a 25% tariff on all products from Japan and South Korea starting from August 1st.

On July 7th local time, US President Trump posted a letter on social media platform addressed to Japanese Prime Minister Shizo Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, stating that the US will impose a 25% tariff on all products from Japan and South Korea starting from August 1st, 2025. Trump expressed that despite the significant trade deficits between the US and South Korea and Japan, the US has decided to continue cooperation with both countries. However, the US has decided to move forward with more balanced and fair trade. Trump stated that trade deficits pose a significant threat to the US economy and national security, and therefore changes must be made. Starting from August 1st, 2025, the US will impose a 25% tariff on all products from South Korea and Japan, independent of any industry-specific tariffs. Additionally, any attempts to evade this tariff through third-country transshipment will result in higher tariffs. Trump mentioned that companies choosing to build factories or produce products within the US will not be subject to this tariff. Furthermore, if South Korea and Japan decide to increase tariffs on US goods, the US will add an equal amount of additional tariffs on top of the existing 25% rate.