Washington (TDI): President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States will begin sending formal tariff notices to a dozen countries next week, offering what he described as “take it or leave it” terms on future trade with the US.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way to New Jersey, Trump confirmed he had signed the letters and said they would be dispatched on Monday. He declined to name the countries involved, saying the details would be made public once the letters are sent.
Trump had initially planned to begin sending the notices on Friday, a national holiday in the United States, but the timeline has since shifted.
The move comes as the 90-day grace period on new tariff rates, announced in April, draws to a close. That announcement included a 10% base tariff on exports to the US, with additional tariffs ranging up to 50% for certain countries. The higher rates were temporarily suspended to allow time for negotiations.
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That window ends on July 9. Trump suggested Friday that some tariffs could now go even higher, possibly reaching 70%, with most set to take effect by August 1.
“I signed some letters and they’ll go out on Monday, probably twelve,” Trump told reporters. “Different amounts of money, different amounts of tariffs.”
While the administration had previously said it aimed to negotiate with a wide range of countries, Trump has since expressed frustration with the slow pace of talks, particularly with key partners like Japan and the European Union.
Read More: Trump Ends US-Canada Trade Talks, Warns Tariffs
“The letters are better,” he said Friday. “Much easier to send a letter.” Trump did not comment on whether any new trade agreements would be concluded before the July 9 deadline.
The shift in approach highlights the difficulty of hammering out full trade deals, especially under pressure. Negotiating comprehensive agreements on tariffs and other trade barriers, such as agricultural restrictions, typically takes years.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
