Trump rolls out reciprocal tariffs for Japan, South Korea, others

President Donald Trump began unveiling the tariff rates the U.S. will charge imports from certain countries following the expiration of a 90-day pause on country-specific levies. 

Trump outlined the rates in identical letters to heads of countries such as Japan, South Korea and South Africa he shared on Truth Social Monday. The rates range from 25% to 40%. 

The new tariffs, some of which differ from the original levies set as part of his reciprocal tariff announcement in April, will go into effect Aug. 1. Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated a similar timeframe would be enforced in comments made this weekend. 

Trump also said that the U.S. would match any retaliatory tariffs, with any hikes made in addition to the rate detailed in the letter to each country. The president also suggested that the tariffs could be lowered if countries provide greater market access to the U.S. and/or rescind certain tariffs and other trade policies. 

“These Tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your Country,” Trump said in each letter. 

On Monday, Trump also signed an executive order extending a 90-day pause of country-specific reciprocal tariffs that was set to expire Wednesday. Implementation of the levies will now be deferred to Aug. 1, per the order. The new timeline does not impact tariffs on China, which will remain reduced until mid-August per a separate agreement reached in May. 

In the leadup to the pause’s end, Trump has said he has made deals related to tariffs and other trade activities with three countries, specifically China, the U.K. and Vietnam.

However, while specific provisions of the U.K. deal have been signed, the China pact still requires approval from both countries, while Vietnam has yet to confirm its own agreement with the U.S.