Trump Signs ‘Take‑it‑or‑Leave‑it’ Tariff Letters to 12 Countries

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on July 5 that he has signed tariff notification letters to 12 countries, outlining the levels of duties they will face on goods they export to the United States. These letters will be dispatched on Monday as non‑negotiable “take-it-or-leave-it” offers, Reuters reports.

Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to New Jersey, Trump declined to disclose which countries would receive the letters, stating that the information will become public next week.

According to Reuters, the letters follow the end of a 90‑day pause in reciprocal tariff measures, originally scheduled to take effect on July 9. This marks a shift from negotiated trade deals to unilateral enforcement. Some of the proposed tariffs could range from 10% to as high as 70%, with most expected to take effect on August 1.

So far, only the United Kingdom and Vietnam have concluded preliminary tariff agreements with Washington, securing base rates of 10% and reductions to 20%, respectively. Meanwhile, talks with the European Union, Japan, India, and other key trade partners have stalled, prompting the Trump administration to proceed with these letters as a last resort.

Under the new policy, countries will be grouped by trade status: those with deals will maintain lower rates, while others could face sharp increases. The move reflects a tougher U.S. stance amid protracted global trade negotiations.