&w=3840&q=100)
'Trading ties 'unfortunately, far from reciprocal': Trump slaps 25% tariffs on Japan, South Korea
US President Donald Trump on Monday said he was slapping 25% tariffs on imports from Japan and South Korea, in his first letters to trading partners ahead of a deadline to reach a deal.
In similarly worded letters to the leaders of Japan and South Korea, Trump announced that tariffs would take effect from August 1, citing their trade relationships with the U.S. as 'unfortunately, far from reciprocal.'
The letters appear to be the first that administration officials planned to release today outlining new tariffs on major trading partners.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Takin to Truth Social, Trump posted, 'We have had years to discuss our Trading Relationship with Japan, and have concluded that we must move away from these longterm, and very persistent, Trade Deficits engendered by Japan's Tariff, and Non Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers. Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from Reciprocal. Starting on August 1, 2025, we will charge Japan a Tariff of only 25% on any and all Japanese products sent into the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs.'
'Goods transshipped to evade a higher Tariff will be subject to that higher Tariff. Please understand that the 25% number is far less than what is needed to eliminate the Trade Deficit disparity we have with your Country. As you are aware, there will be no Tariff if Japan, or companies within your Country, decide to build or manufacture product within the United States and, in fact, we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely - In other words, in a matter of weeks,' he added.
Earlier today, Trump said he would send the first tariff letters to various countries, days before his deadline for trading partners to reach a deal expires.
He said he would send a first batch of up to 15 letters, warning that the US levies on imports would snap back to the high levels he set in April if countries failed to make agreements.
With inputs from agencies
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Furor over Epstein files sparks clash between Bondi and Bongino at the Justice Department; Trump defends U.S. Attorney General
The Justice Department and FBI are struggling to contain the fallout from this week's decision to withhold records from the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation, which rankled influential far-right media personalities and supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump. The move, which included the acknowledgment that one particular sought-after document never actually existed, sparked a contentious conversation between Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino at the White House this week. The spat threatened to shatter relations between them and centered in part on a news story that described divisions between the FBI and the Justice Department. The cascade of disappointment and disbelief arising from the refusal to disclose additional, much-hyped records from the Epstein investigation underscores the struggles of FBI and Justice Department leaders to resolve the conspiracy theories and amped-up expectations that they themselves had stoked with claims of a cover-up and hidden evidence. Infuriated by the failure of officials to unlock, as promised, the secrets of the so-called 'deep state,' Trump supporters on the far right have grown restless and even demanded change at the top. Trump calls for MAGA base to end 'Epstein Files' obsession Mr. Trump expressed frustration in a social media posting on Saturday (July 12, 2025) over the divide among diehards of his 'Make America Great Again' movement over the matter, and expressed support for Ms. Bondi. His lengthy post made no mention of Mr. Bongino. 'What's going on with my 'boys' and, in some cases, 'gals?'' Trump wrote. 'They're all going after Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is doing a FANTASTIC JOB! We're on one Team, MAGA, and I don't like what's happening.' Tensions that simmered for months boiled over on Monday when the Justice Department and FBI issued a two-page statement saying that they had concluded that Epstein did not possess a 'client list,' even though had intimated in February that such a document was sitting on her desk, and had decided against releasing any additional records from the investigation. The Department did disclose a video meant to prove that Epstein killed himself in jail, but even that raised the eyebrows of conspiracy theorists because of a missing minute in the recording. It was hardly the first time that Trump administration officials have failed to fulfill their pledge to deliver the evidence that supporters had come to expect. In February, conservative influencers were invited to the White House and provided with binders marked 'The Epstein Files: Phase 1' and 'Declassified." But the binders contained information that had largely already been in the public domain. Afterward, Ms. Bondi said an FBI 'source' informed her of the existence of thousands of pages of previously undisclosed documents and ordered the Bureau to provide the 'full and complete Epstein files.' She later said officials were poring over a 'truckload' of previously withheld evidence she said had been handed over by the FBI. But after a months-long review of evidence in the government's possession, the Justice Department determined in the memo Monday that no 'further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted.' The Department noted that much of the material was placed under seal by a court to protect victims, and 'only a fraction' of it 'would have been aired publicly had Epstein gone to trial.' The Trump administration had hoped that that statement would be the final word on the saga, with Mr. Trump chiding a reporter who asked Ms. Bondi about the Epstein case at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. But Ms. Bondi and Mr. Bongino had a tense exchange the following day at the White House, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a private conversation. Part of the clash centered on a story from the news organization NewsNation that cited a 'source close to the White House' as saying the FBI would have released the Epstein files months ago if it could have done so on its own. The story included statements from Bondi, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel refuting the premise, but not Mr. Bongino. The news publication Axios was first to describe the conversation. Mr. Blanche sought to stem the fallout Friday with a social media post in which he said he had worked closely with Mr. Patel and Mr. Bongino on the Epstein matter and the joint memo. 'All of us signed off on the contents of the memo and the conclusions stated in the memo. The suggestion by anyone that there was any daylight between the FBI and DOJ leadership on this memo's composition and release is patently false,' he wrote on X. Also Friday, far-right activist Laura Loomer, who is close to Mr. Trump, posted on X that she was told that Bongino was 'seriously thinking about resigning' and had taken the day off to contemplate his future. Mr. Bongino is normally an active presence on social media but has been silent since Wednesday. The FBI did not respond to a request seeking comment, and the White House sought in a statement to minimize any tensions. 'President Trump has assembled a highly qualified and experienced law and order team dedicated to protecting Americans, holding criminals accountable, and delivering justice to victims,' said spokesman Harrison Fields. 'This work is being carried out seamlessly and with unity. Any attempt to sow division within this team is baseless and distracts from the real progress being made in restoring public safety and pursuing justice for all.'
Economic Times
an hour ago
- Economic Times
Trump defends Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, blames top Democrats over Epstein Files row
(ET Online) Trump defends Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, blames top Democrats over Epstein Files row 02:34 Min | July 13, 2025, 7:35 AM IST US President Donald Trump came forwards to defend Pam Bondi, Kash Patel over Epstein files row. 'Attorney General Pam Bondi is doing great job', President Trump posts on Truth Social. He said that some 'selfish people' trying to hurt his 'perfect administration'. Trump condemned publicity given to Files written by Obama, Crooked Hillary, Biden administration. Why didn't these Radical Left Lunatics release the Epstein Files, he asked in his post. He advised Kash Patel to focus on investigating Voter Fraud, Political Corruption and Stolen Election of 2020, instead of looking at 'same old, Radical Left inspired documents on Jeffrey Epstein', he added. He further said that Pam Bondi is looking into was rigged & stolen 2020 election as Attorney General.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Can't Flip A Switch': Militaries Scramble As War Sucks Up West's Air Defence Stockpiles
Trump's Ukraine Tone Shifts As 'Friend' Putin Says NO To Peace Deal; 'Good Signals': Zelensky Gloats Donald Trump's stance on the Ukraine war is shifting. After a maternity hospital strike, Trump expressed "frustration" with Putin, vowing "you'll be seeing things happening." Washington has resumed weapons shipments, including Patriots, and plans new sanctions on Russia. Trump, who previously blamed Zelensky, is now signaling a tougher approach, with a "major statement" on Monday. However, Western allies question if this truly alters the war's dynamic. 225.4K views | 11 hours ago
