"Trump Plans to Distribute Tariff Correspondence to 12 Nations, Escalating International Trade Controversies"
In a significant move, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new tariff policy, imposing a 10% reciprocal tariff on imports from approximately 100 countries, effective starting August 1, 2025. This trade policy reset, one of the largest in decades, will impact nearly half of the world’s nations [1].
The tariffs will be applied broadly to countries currently negotiating with the U.S., such as India, Japan, and members of the European Union [1]. Trump has signed tariff letters to 12 nations under a "take it or leave it" framework, with formal offers dispatched around July 7, 2025 [1][3].
The rates could vary widely by country, with some facing levies as high as 60% to 70% tariffs, while others face the baseline 10% or slightly higher rates [3]. This tariff imposition is part of Trump’s "America First" trade approach, aimed at pushing trading partners towards more favorable terms for American exports.
Countries like India face urgency because a prior suspension of a 26% tariff is set to expire on July 9, with potential application of the new, higher rate from August 1 if no interim deal is reached [1]. The European Commission appears to be leaning towards extending the current tariff suspension while continuing negotiations.
Meanwhile, the BRICS nations remain divided on key geopolitical topics, including crises in the Middle East. The BRICS summit is expected to include a strong joint statement criticizing U.S. tariff policies. The leaders of BRICS nations are set to convene in Rio de Janeiro.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant has confirmed talks are expected to resume early next week [2]. It is worth noting that most increases in tariffs are set to take effect on August 1, but EU officials suggest Washington may pause further tariff increases for partners who agree to preliminary terms.
Trump declined to name the countries receiving the letters, and without an agreement, tariffs on EU imports are expected to rise from 10% to 20%. Progress was made towards a preliminary agreement during the latest round of negotiations, according to a European Commission spokesperson.
The pause on additional tariffs expired on July 9. Initially, Trump had planned to send the letters on Friday, but the timeline was shifted due to a U.S. national holiday. EU officials suggest that without agreement, tariffs on EU imports could climb even higher than previously announced, potentially up to 70%.
Sources: [1] New York Times, "Trump Unveils Plan for New Tariffs on Imports from About 100 Countries," July 28, 2025. [2] CNBC, "U.S. Treasury Secretary Confirms Tariff Talks to Resume Next Week," July 31, 2025. [3] Reuters, "U.S. Sends Tariff Letters to 12 Countries, Rates to Vary Widely," July 30, 2025.
The new tariff policy, initiated by President Trump, will significantly impact the trade relations with approximately 100 nations, including India, Japan, and members of the European Union, as it applies broadly to countries currently negotiating with the U.S. [1][3]. The tariffs, part of Trump’s "America First" trade approach, could potentially rise even higher than the announced 10% to 70% for some countries, pending the outcome of negotiations [1][3]. The policy and its implications are mostly a part of general news and politics, as well as topics of war-and-conflicts and policy-and-legislation.
