US to impose tariffs unilaterally within weeks, Trump announces

US President Donald Trump announced that the United States is preparing to impose new tariffs unilaterally on a range of trading partners within the next two to three weeks, bypassing formal trade agreements.

Speaking at a business meeting in the United Arab Emirates, Trump said that instead of negotiating individual deals with all interested countries, his administration would soon begin notifying them directly about new tariff rates, Caliber.Az reports via The Financial Times.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick are expected to send letters outlining the costs foreign businesses will face to continue operating in the US market.

Trump said that, while “150 countries” wanted to agree deals, “it’s not possible to meet the number of people that want to see us”.

The announcement comes after the US scaled back many of the tariffs introduced on Trump’s so-called "Liberation Day" on April 2, temporarily reducing them to 10 per cent for a 90-day period. Despite the shift toward unilateral action, the administration has recently made progress on bilateral agreements. 

Earlier this month, Washington reached a deal with the UK to ease tariffs on key exports such as steel and automobiles. A similar duty reduction was jointly announced with China this week.

Negotiations also remain ongoing with several major economies, including the European Union, Japan, and India, as the US recalibrates its trade strategy.

By Sabina Mammadli