US President Donald Trump on Monday said his administration will release at least seven more tariff letters to trading partners on Wednesday morning, followed by more in the afternoon (local time), escalating tensions ahead of the looming August 1 deadline for a new round of reciprocal tariffs.In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “We will be releasing a minimum of 7 Countries having to do with trade, tomorrow morning, with an additional number of Countries being released in the afternoon. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”The announcement follows Monday’s release of letters notifying 14 countries- including Japan, South Korea, and South Africa- of steep import duties, ranging from 25 per cent to 40 per cent. So far, Trump has posted letters targeting Japan (25 per cent), South Korea (25 per cent), Myanmar (40 per cent), Laos (40 per cent), South Africa (30 per cent), Kazakhstan (25 per cent), and Malaysia (25 per cent). Other countries named in the administration’s tariff strategy include Tunisia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Cambodia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, and Thailand- with tariffs ranging between 25 per cent and 36 per cent.In the letters, Trump accused several governments of maintaining “non-reciprocal” trade practices and warned that any retaliatory tariff hikes would prompt even steeper US duties. “Whatever the number you choose to raise them by will be added onto the 25 per cent we charge,” he wrote in similar messages to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.The president, however, signaled willingness to reconsider rates if countries offer improved trade terms. “These tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your Country,” he noted.Trump’s aggressive tariff campaign has drawn comparisons to his earlier trade war with China but differs in its broader sweep—covering nearly every region. While the administration touts this as a move to correct longstanding trade imbalances and boost US manufacturing, critics warn it could destabilize global supply chains and strain alliances.The policy has already stirred sharp reactions. Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba had said over the weekend that he “won’t easily compromise” on trade terms, signaling potential resistance from key allies.Back in April, Trump rolled out a sweeping 10 per cent tariff on most imports, branding it “Liberation Day.” But following market jitters, he paused enforcement for 90 days to allow deal-making. So far, only Britain, Vietnam, and—tentatively—China have reached limited arrangements with Washington.The coming days are expected to be pivotal. Trump has promised that by July 9, most countries will have either received official correspondence or finalized agreements.
