Trump to Send “Take-It-or-Leave-It” Tariff Letters to 12 Countries Amid Global Trade Standof

 U.S. signals hardened stance as tariff deadline looms; negotiations falter with key partners

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE / WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has signed a series of letters to 12 countries detailing the specific tariff rates they will face on exports to the United States, with the “take it or leave it” proposals slated for formal dispatch on Monday.

Speaking to reporters while en route to New Jersey aboard Air Force One, Trump declined to identify the countries targeted by the letters, stating that further details would be made public next week. He had previously indicated that the first set of letters would be issued on Friday — a national holiday in the U.S. — but confirmed the release would now occur on Monday.

The letters mark a significant escalation in the administration’s increasingly assertive trade posture. In April, Trump unveiled a new tariff framework featuring a 10% base rate on imports from most countries, with additional duties reaching as high as 50% in certain cases. These supplemental tariffs were temporarily suspended for 90 days to allow space for negotiations — a window that closes on July 9.

However, Trump suggested that the final tariff figures could rise even further, warning that levies might increase to as much as 70%, with the majority of new rates expected to take effect on August 1.

“I signed some letters and they’ll go out on Monday — probably twelve,” Trump said. “Different amounts of money, different amounts of tariffs.”

Shift from Negotiation to Direct Action

Initially, the White House had pursued negotiations with numerous countries to define individualized tariff schedules. However, following repeated impasses with major trading partners including Japan and the European Union, the administration appears to be abandoning multilateral dialogue in favor of unilateral declarations.

“The letters are better,” Trump said. “Much easier to send a letter.”

The administration’s pivot reflects the complexity of concluding comprehensive trade agreements that span tariffs and broader non-tariff issues, such as import restrictions on agricultural products. These deals typically require years of sustained negotiation — a timeframe the Trump administration appears increasingly unwilling to accept.

To date, the U.S. has finalized only two new trade arrangements under the revised framework:

• United Kingdom: Secured in May, the deal retains the 10% base tariff while offering preferential terms for key sectors, including automotive components and aircraft engines.

• Vietnam: A more substantial reduction was reached, with tariffs on Vietnamese goods cut to 20% from a proposed 46%. In return, a broad range of U.S. exports to Vietnam will enjoy duty-free access.

Conversely, efforts to finalize agreements with other major economies have faltered. A long-anticipated deal with India has yet to materialize. Meanwhile, European Union diplomats acknowledged on Friday that talks with the U.S. have stalled, prompting discussions in Brussels about extending current trade arrangements in order to forestall imminent tariff hikes.

As the July 9 deadline approaches, global markets are bracing for potential disruptions. Many analysts interpret the White House’s latest move as a warning that the administration is prepared to act unilaterally should negotiations continue to yield limited results.