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**Trump’s New Tariff Strategy Targets Global Trade Partners Ahead of August Deadline**
Former President Donald Trump has reintroduced an aggressive tariff strategy aimed at reshaping global trade. With the 90-day tariff suspension expiring on July 9, 2025, the Trump administration has begun sending formal letters to over 100 countries, notifying them of upcoming tariff hikes ranging from 10% to 70%, set to take effect on August 1 if new deals are not reached.
The renewed tariff push is part of a broader strategy to pressure trading partners into fast-track negotiations. While a baseline 10% tariff has been in place since April, the proposed escalations are designed to target countries with whom the U.S. has ongoing trade imbalances or geopolitical tensions, including members of the BRICS bloc.
Some countries have already reached agreements to avoid the steep tariffs. Vietnam negotiated a deal that includes a 20% tariff on most exports, with a 40% tariff imposed on goods suspected of being rerouted from China. In exchange, U.S. exports to Vietnam will receive duty-free treatment. The United Kingdom also secured a temporary exemption, maintaining a 10% base tariff as negotiations continue.
Talks are still ongoing with major partners such as the European Union and India. Without formal agreements, they too may face the full extent of the new tariff regime starting in August.
Economists warn that the strategy could backfire, increasing costs for U.S. companies and consumers. A recent analysis suggests mid-sized American businesses could incur over $82 billion in additional costs, which may be passed along through price hikes. Financial markets have already responded with volatility, with stocks dipping and energy prices fluctuating in response to growing uncertainty.
As the August 1 deadline approaches, the world is watching closely to see which countries will strike deals—and which will be hit with the full force of Trump’s tariff plan.