U.S. President Donald Trump walks after disembarking Marine One as he arrives at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 6, 2025.
Ken Cedeno | Reuters
The United States will impose 25% blanket tariffs on imports from Japan and South Korea starting Aug. 1, President Donald Trump revealed Monday.
Trump, in a pair of Truth Social posts, shared screenshots of letters apparently sent to Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung dictating the new tariff rates.
U.S. President, Donald Trump’s letter to President of the Republic of Korea.
Donald Trump via Truth Social
U.S. President, Donald Trump’s letter to President of the Republic of Korea.
Donald Trump via Truth Social
U.S. President, Donald Trump’s letter to Prime Minister of Japan.
Donald Trump via Truth Social
U.S. President, Donald Trump’s letter to Prime Minister of Japan.
Donald Trump via Truth Social
Both letters say that the 25% tariffs are separate from additional sector-specific duties on key product categories.
The letters also note, “Goods transshipped to evade a higher Tariff will be subject to that higher Tariff.” Transshipping in this case appears to refer to the practice of transferring goods to an interim country prior to their final shipment to the U.S. in order to skirt tariffs.
This is breaking news. Please refresh for updates.
