According to the latest news on June 12, 2025, U.S. President Trump announced that in the next one to two weeks, he will send formal letters to major global trading partners, unilaterally setting tariff rates and requiring them to accept the agreement before the tariff suspension deadline on July 9, or else higher tariffs will be imposed. This move is seen as a strategy to pressure multiple countries to accelerate trade negotiations, but its execution prospects remain uncertain.
Key information summary:
1. Planned content and timeline
Trump stated that the tariff rates will be personalized based on the trade deficit levels of each country, and countries must decide whether to accept the terms by July 9. Previously, the U.S. had suspended “reciprocal tariffs” for dozens of economies for 90 days (until July 8), but Trump hinted that he may not extend this deadline, stating that he does not see it as necessary.
2. Legal disputes and judicial challenges
On May 28, the U.S. International Trade Court ruled that the tariffs imposed by Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were “beyond authority,” but the federal appeals court approved the suspension of the ruling on June 11, allowing tariffs to remain at least until July 31. If he ultimately loses the case, Trump may turn to other laws, such as Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, to continue raising tariffs.
3. International response and economic impact
- Allies push back: The EU, Japan, South Korea, and others clearly oppose unilateral tariffs and threaten countermeasures.
- Market turbulence: U.S. stock futures and the dollar index fell due to tariff uncertainty, while gold prices soared to $3,377 per ounce.
- Supply chain impact: If tariffs are implemented, the costs for global industries such as pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and electronics will rise significantly, and consumers will face risks of soaring drug prices and product shortages.
4. Trump's strategic considerations
Analysts believe that this move aims to strengthen the “America First” image through “time-limited negotiations” and shift domestic economic contradictions. Previously, Trump had to compromise on tariffs against China due to Chinese countermeasures (such as rare earth export controls) and shifted the pressure focus to the EU, India, and other countries.
Conclusion
Trump’s tariff plan combines political maneuvering with economic risks, and its execution will depend on the results of legal litigation, negotiation progress, and ally reactions. If ultimately implemented, it could further exacerbate global trade divisions, but the market generally expects a recurrence of its “empty check” history.