The U.S. government is preparing a major trade move. According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, official letters outlining proposed new tariffs will be sent out within the next 48 hours. The goal is to finalize new trade deals with key partners by Wednesday.

Speaking to CNBC, Bessent emphasized that the letters will not be ultimatums. Instead, he framed them as invitations for fresh negotiations. “We’re not threatening — we’re setting new terms,” he explained. “It’s simple: here’s the rate, and if you don’t want to negotiate, this is what you get.”

Not Ultimatums, but Room for Talks

President Donald Trump confirmed that the letters will start going out Monday at 12 p.m. ET. These documents will specify proposed tariff rates but also leave space for countries to renegotiate terms.

So far, only two agreements have been finalized — with the United Kingdom and Vietnam. Negotiations with other countries are still ongoing, and the U.S. is pressing for comprehensive deals or high tariffs in return.

Japan and South Korea Top the Tariff List

Trump posted on social media that Japan and South Korea will both face a 25% tariff starting August 1. Japan’s rate is one percentage point higher than what was proposed in April, while South Korea’s remains unchanged. Trump also noted that if any country raises its tariffs, the U.S. will match the increase by adding that percentage on top of the existing 25%.

Vietnam has already agreed to a revised deal, lowering its proposed tariff from 46% to 20%. However, the U.S. will apply a 40% tariff on goods that are rerouted through Vietnam to third countries, such as China.

More Countries, Some Exceptions

Other countries — including Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Laos, Myanmar, and South Africa — will face tariffs ranging from 25% to 40%. For example, Malaysia now faces 25%, Kazakhstan was reduced from 27% to 25%, and South Africa is set at 30%. Trump reiterated that countries supporting the BRICS agenda against U.S. interests will face an additional 10% tariff. “No exceptions,” he wrote.

The European Union is considering a broad 10% tariff on most exports, with exemptions for certain industries, though final terms have not yet been confirmed.

Tensions With China Appear to Ease

Tensions with China seem to be easing. The U.S. has relaxed some export controls, including on chip design software and ethanol. Bessent also mentioned he plans to meet with his Chinese counterpart in the coming weeks.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who stood alongside Trump at a recent event, confirmed that although most deals should be finalized by July 9, the tariffs will not take effect before August 1. The administration is using this window to wrap up talks and send final notices.

Objective: Restore Balance and U.S. Influence

The White House sees the upcoming measures as essential for restoring trade balance and reinforcing American influence globally. Trump said on Sunday that most countries will receive “either a deal or a letter” by July 9.




#usa , #TradeWars , #TRUMP , #Tariffs , #Geopolitics

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