Several countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia, have announced they will intensify trade negotiations with the United States ahead of an August 1 deadline set by President Donald Trump.
On Monday, Trump published letters to leaders of at least 14 nations warning that new tariffs would take effect unless talks showed progress. The letters outlined specific tariff rates, including a 25 percent duty on goods from Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. Trump stated that the rates could be adjusted depending on each country’s relationship with the United States.
The letters mark a renewed push by the White House to finalize trade agreements following a 90-day pause on tariff hikes. Japan and South Korea confirmed they would seek solutions before the deadline, while other countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Tunisia, are also expected to respond.
The administration has already reached preliminary deals with the United Kingdom, Vietnam, and China, but broader negotiations remain ongoing. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said several agreements are in the “home stretch,” and more announcements are expected in the coming days.