In a fresh wave of protectionist economic measures, U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 25 percent tariff on imports from Japan and South Korea, with additional duties targeting goods from 12 other nations. The tariffs are scheduled to take effect on August 1.
The announcement was made public on Monday through letters shared via Trump’s Truth Social platform, where the president addressed the heads of government of the affected countries directly. Among the recipients were Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
In the letters, Trump issued a pointed warning against any retaliatory trade measures, stating that any increase in tariffs by the affected nations would be met with proportional U.S. responses.
“If for any reason you decide to raise your tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by will be added onto the 25% that we charge,” Trump wrote.
While no formal statement has yet been issued by the White House, the move marks a significant escalation in the administration’s ongoing trade policy efforts. The tariffs are part of Trump’s broader economic strategy for his second term, focusing heavily on reviving domestic manufacturing and reinforcing American competitiveness.
Despite the president’s assurances, the policy has sparked unease among analysts. According to a report from AP News, economists warn the tariff hikes could slow global economic growth and increase the likelihood of a recession among major economies.
Still, Trump remains steadfast, portraying the tariffs as a vital step to boost U.S. industry and support his recent tax reform legislation, which was signed into law last week.
The new trade measures are expected to trigger diplomatic responses in the coming days, as international markets and foreign leaders weigh their next steps.