- Letters sent to 12 countries
On July 5, 2025, President Trump stated he had signed formal letters to 12 unspecified countries, detailing “take it or leave it” tariff offers on their exports to the U.S. These letters will be dispatched on Monday (July 7)
- Tariff specifics & timing
The letters reportedly outline a baseline 10% tariff, with potential additional duties of up to 50%, and hints of increases as high as 70% beginning August 1, coinciding with the end of a 90-day negotiation pause
- Negotiation fatigue leads to ultimatum
After months of slow progress—especially with Japan, the EU, and India—Trump shifted from negotiating bespoke deals toward sending formal notices, describing this letter-driven approach as more efficient
- Trade agreements made (and stalled)
So far deals have been confirmed with the UK (maintaining a 10% tariff plus some sectoral preferences) and Vietnam (tariffs limited to 20%, with duty-free U.S. access for some goods). Talks with India and the EU have not advanced positively
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/trump-says-tariff-letters-12-countries-signed-going-out-monday-2025-07-05/
