Trump to Release New Tariff Letters Targeting Seven or More Countries

Fresh round of tariffs, ranging from 25% to 40%, set to begin August 1, 2025, as White House pushes “tailor-made” trade strategy

In a major development on the global economic front, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that his administration will release a new batch of trade letters on Wednesday, targeting at least seven countries with increased tariffs as part of his continued campaign to address what he calls “deeply unfair trade practices.”

The new tariffs, ranging from 25% to 40%, are scheduled to go into effect on August 1, 2025, and come just days after Trump sent similar letters to 14 countries earlier this week. These letters serve as a formal notification that unless bilateral trade agreements are finalized by the August deadline, the higher tariffs will be imposed without further negotiation.

Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, emphasizing that this is only the beginning of a broader rollout.

“We will be releasing a minimum of 7 countries having to do with trade, tomorrow morning, with an additional number of countries being released in the afternoon,” he posted. “Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

A Shift Toward Public Trade Diplomacy

Unlike traditional trade negotiations, which typically occur behind closed doors and follow diplomatic protocols, Trump’s approach reflects a continued departure from international norms. The tariff announcements are being made publicly before the letters are formally dispatched—an unusual move that appears designed to apply pressure not only on foreign governments but also on global markets.

This strategy, according to analysts, is aimed at demonstrating strength and unilateral control over trade policy, a cornerstone of Trump’s governance model. The administration has called these actions part of a “tailor-made trade plan” for each country—language meant to signal that tariff decisions are being customized to reflect individual economic relationships.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed this perspective, stating, “President Trump is setting the rates himself, creating tailor-made trade plans for each and every country on this planet. That’s what this administration continues to be focused on.”

Rising Global Tensions

The letters are not simply administrative updates—they carry a direct warning. Nations that respond with retaliatory tariffs may face even harsher economic measures from Washington, further escalating the risk of trade wars. These communications, while not legally binding treaties, signify a broader breakdown in backdoor diplomacy and signal that talks between the U.S. and several nations have reached a deadlock.

A report from the Press Trust of India (PTI) described the latest moves as “another episode in a global economic drama in which Trump has placed himself at the center.” While the letters leave open the possibility for last-minute negotiations, the underlying message is clear: comply, or face economic consequences.

Economic Risks and Domestic Calculations

Critics of the administration warn that this aggressive tariff campaign could strain the global economy and even push the United States closer to a recession. By raising trade barriers, they argue, Trump risks disrupting supply chains, increasing consumer prices, and provoking retaliation from key trade partners.

However, the President has remained resolute. According to his administration, these tariffs are not only a defense against unfair trade but also a way to fund recent tax cuts signed into law just last week. Trump contends that tariffs will encourage companies to bring manufacturing back to American soil, thereby boosting employment and reducing dependency on foreign imports.

“America must protect its workers and industries,” he said in a recent statement. “These tariffs are a tool—an essential tool—for securing our economic future.”

Echoes of the Past, Signals for the Future

This new tariff campaign bears striking resemblance to Trump’s previous term in office, during which he initiated a prolonged trade war with China and levied broad tariffs on European steel and aluminum. His signature tactic—announcing sweeping policy changes via public platforms—continues to set the tone for his current trade policy.

Throughout his political career, Trump has argued that the U.S. has been the victim of exploitative trade arrangements. He maintains that many countries have taken advantage of American openness to dump cheap goods, restrict U.S. exports, and manipulate currencies.

These themes have become central to Trump’s 2025 re-election campaign, which focuses on restoring economic nationalism and rewriting the rules of global commerce in favor of American interests.

Looking Ahead

As the world watches for which nations are included in Wednesday’s announcement, the international business community remains on edge. The possibility of further trade disruptions has already sparked volatility in global markets, with industries ranging from agriculture to pharmaceuticals preparing for potential fallout.

Whether these letters result in constructive negotiations or intensified trade disputes remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Trump is doubling down on his belief that unilateral pressure, not compromise, is the most effective route to reshaping America’s trade relationships.

With the first of the new letters expected Wednesday morning, followed by additional notifications in the afternoon, the global economic landscape may be poised for another jolt—one that could reshape alliances, unsettle markets, and deepen the divides in an already fractious global trading system.