US President Donald Trump has reignited global trade tensions by announcing a sweeping new set of tariffs targeting 14 countries. Under the plan, all imports from nations such as Japan, South Korea, Tunisia, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, South Africa, and others will be hit with a flat 25 percent tariff starting August 1. Some countries face even steeper penalties up to 40 percent in the case of Laos and Myanmar. Trump issued letters to each nation outlining the new terms and warning that any retaliatory tariffs will result in additional hikes by the US.
Despite the aggressive approach, Trump has left room for negotiations. He emphasized that the August 1 deadline is firm but not final, adding that the US is open to alternative trade arrangements if countries respond swiftly. Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba acknowledged receiving a US proposal and confirmed efforts to avoid steeper tariffs. South Korea also expressed hopes for exemptions, particularly in the auto and steel sectors.
Countries such as Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Malaysia have either started or scheduled trade discussions in Washington. Bangladesh, heavily reliant on garment exports to the US, said the 25 percent tariff would be a significant blow to its economy. The industry alone employs four million people and makes up more than 80 percent of the country’s export revenue.
In contrast to the US market, which saw the S and P 500 fall nearly one percent on the announcement, Asian markets were more stable. South Korea's stock index even rose by 1.8 percent, showing resilience in the face of uncertainty. Analysts warn of ongoing volatility in global markets as more responses and letters from the US are expected ahead of the deadline.
Trump’s tariff announcement goes beyond simple economic pressure and has stirred political debate across continents. The move is part of a broader strategy to push nations into quick bilateral trade agreements with the US. Only two countries, the United Kingdom and Vietnam, have successfully secured such deals since the tariff war began. The European Union, though not targeted by this round of tariffs, is still negotiating with the US. EU leaders are debating whether to strike a fast and limited deal or use the bloc’s full economic leverage to obtain better terms.
The letters from Trump have alarmed developing nations in Asia and Africa. Countries like Bangladesh, Thailand, Cambodia, and Serbia now face rates between 30 and 36 percent. In South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa called the US move unjustified, pointing out that most American goods face no tariffs in his country. His government pledged to keep negotiating.
Meanwhile, China has until August 12 to finalize its own deal with the US or risk re imposed restrictions. China responded with a firm warning against Washington's effort to exclude it from global supply chains. At the same time, China and Vietnam agreed to deepen their trade relationship during a recent BRICS summit in Brazil.
Trump also issued a thinly veiled threat to BRICS members, warning that nations pursuing what he called anti-American policies could face an additional 10 percent tariff. This has further increased pressure on countries already balancing trade ties between major powers.
As the August deadline approaches, more countries are likely to enter last-minute talks. Economic and political analysts expect heightened volatility in both financial markets and diplomatic relations, as Trump's aggressive trade tactics ripple through supply chains and international alliances.
Global leaders now face a tough decision resist or make a deal.See also: (In UK) Singer Jessie J reveals cancer operation success
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