Trump to Unleash Wave of New Tariff Rates—Countries Get Notified Starting Friday

Former President Donald Trump announced that beginning Friday, his administration will begin sending formal letters to countries around the world, outlining new U.S. tariff rates. The move marks a shift toward a more direct trade policy approach as the July 9 deadline for reciprocal tariff adjustments nears. Trump stated that about 10 letters per day will be issued, detailing the tariffs that nations will face when exporting goods to the United States. This policy comes as an alternative to negotiating separate trade deals with over 170 countries, a process Trump called “too slow and complicated.” According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, roughly 100 countries are expected to receive a standard 10% import tariff rate. Others could face higher rates—between 20% and 30%—depending on ongoing negotiations or their perceived willingness to engage in fair trade talks. So far, the U.S. has reached agreements with a few key partners, including the United Kingdom and Vietnam, while also maintaining a tariff truce with China. However, major economies such as Japan, India, South Korea, and the European Union remain in active discussions. Trump emphasized that countries have until July 9 to finalize trade deals before the new tariffs take effect. The administration says the letters aim to simplify and expedite the process of establishing what it calls “reciprocal and fair” trade terms.

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