Trump to Send First Batch of Tariff Letters on Monday as Deadline Looms

AFP/APP

Washington: Former US President Donald Trump announced Sunday that the first round of tariff notification letters will be sent to various countries starting Monday, just days before a self-imposed deadline for trade negotiations expires.

“I am pleased to announce that the UNITED STATES TARIFF Letters, and/or Deals, with various Countries from around the World, will be delivered starting 12:00 P.M. (Eastern), Monday, July 7th,” Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social.

The letters are intended to warn trading partners that tariffs—paused in April—will snap back to the higher rates Trump previously imposed if deals are not reached by Wednesday, the end of the 90-day grace period.

Trump originally imposed sweeping tariffs on April 2, which he dubbed “Liberation Day,” slapping a 10 percent duty on imports from nearly all US trading partners. Several countries, including some within the European Union, were slated to face significantly higher rates.

However, amid market turmoil and global pushback, Trump agreed to a 90-day pause to allow for trade negotiations. That deadline now expires midweek, and only a handful of agreements have materialized, including with Britain and Vietnam. A temporary easing of tit-for-tat tariffs has also been reached with China.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said, “It could be 12, could be 15” letters being sent in the first batch.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added that although the letters will be dispatched Monday, the actual reimposition of tariffs would not take effect until August 1, giving additional time for dealmaking.

In a follow-up post, Trump threatened an additional 10 percent tariff on countries aligning themselves with the BRICS bloc, accusing them of “anti-Americanism” after their leaders criticized his tariff policy during a weekend summit.

The looming trade measures have added fresh uncertainty to global markets, with investors watching closely for any breakthroughs in negotiations before Wednesday’s deadline.