US President Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday that he had signed “take it or leave it” tariff letters addressed to 12 countries. These letters, outlining new tariff rates, are set to be dispatched on Monday—just ahead of the July 9 deadline that marks the end of a 90-day pause on retaliatory tariffs.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to New Jersey for Independence Day celebrations, Trump said, “I signed some letters and they’ll go out on Monday, probably twelve. Different amounts of money, different amounts of tariffs.” He declined to reveal the names of the countries involved.
Tariff hike plan and global implications
In April, Trump announced a base tariff of 10% on most imports entering the United States, with certain countries potentially facing rates as high as 50%. While those tariffs were temporarily paused for 90 days to allow space for negotiation, that period is now drawing to a close.
The upcoming letters are expected to trigger swift international reactions, especially from trade partners still engaged in talks with Washington.
India adopts its own terms in US trade talks
India, one of the countries in talks with the US, has taken a firm stance. Union Minister of Commerce and Trade Piyush Goyal said that New Delhi will not agree to a trade deal based on any external timeline, insisting on setting its own terms.
Previously, sources told News18 that an Indian delegation had recently returned from Washington after holding detailed negotiations with Trump administration officials. A deal between India and the US could be concluded soon, sources said.
Deals struck with UK and Vietnam, Japan deal uncertain
Trump’s administration has already signed trade deals with the United Kingdom and Vietnam. Meanwhile, the US and China reached a temporary agreement to lower existing tariffs on each other’s goods.
However, Trump expressed pessimism about Japan, saying, “We’ve dealt with Japan. I’m not sure if we’re gonna make a deal, I doubt it, with Japan. They and others are so spoiled from having ripped us off for 30, 40 years that it’s really hard for them to make a deal.”
Strategic pressure before July 9
With the July 9 deadline approaching, Trump’s move to send out the tariff letters serves as a strategic pressure tactic aimed at concluding trade talks on US terms. As global leaders assess their next moves, the tone from the White House suggests the administration is prepared to enforce its new trade policies.
