Trump says US to start sending out tariff letters to 12 nations “Take it or leave”

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a series of letters notifying 12 countries of the tariff levels they will face on goods exported to the United States, calling the measures “take it or leave it” offers.

The letters, expected to be sent out on July 7, reflect a sharp pivot in Washington’s global trade strategy amid stalled negotiations with major partners, Caliber.Az reports, citing Western media.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to New Jersey, Trump declined to name the countries involved, saying full details would be released Monday.

“I signed some letters and they'll go out on Monday, probably twelve,” he said. “Different amounts of money, different amounts of tariffs.”

Trump had earlier stated that he anticipated the letters would be sent out Friday, but the U.S. national holiday altered the schedule. The letters follow an April announcement by Trump of a 10% base tariff rate on foreign goods, with possible surcharges of up to 50% depending on the country. While most tariffs beyond the base rate were suspended for 90 days to allow time for negotiations, that window expires on July 9.

In the morning of July 4, Trump suggested the new tariffs could be even higher — reaching up to 70% — and noted that most would take effect on August 1.

The decision to shift from broader negotiations to unilateral tariff notifications comes after multiple failed attempts to strike deals with major economies, including Japan and the European Union. “The letters are better ... much easier to send a letter,” Trump said, underscoring his growing frustration with protracted talks.

To date, only two formal trade agreements have been reached under the new tariff regime. The United Kingdom secured a deal in May preserving the 10% base rate and gaining preferential treatment for key sectors such as automobiles and aircraft engines. Vietnam reached a separate deal reducing tariffs on many of its exports to 20%, down from a previously threatened 46%. The agreement also provides duty-free access for many U.S. goods entering the Vietnamese market.

Negotiations with India have failed to produce an agreement, and EU diplomats confirmed Friday that they have been unable to break the impasse with Washington. Brussels may now seek to extend the status quo in order to avoid sweeping tariff hikes.

By Khagan Isayev