U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he has signed letters to 12 countries detailing the different tariff rates they will face on goods exported to the United States. The “take-it-or-leave-it” offers are set to be sent out on Monday.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to New Jersey, Trump declined to name the countries involved, saying the details would be made public on Monday.
Previously, Trump had told reporters on Thursday that the first batch of letters would be sent on Friday, a national holiday in the U.S., though the date was later postponed.
Amid a global trade war that has roiled financial markets and prompted policymakers worldwide to defend their economies, Trump announced in April a 10% base tariff and additional surcharges for most countries—some reaching up to 50%. However, all surcharges beyond the 10% base rate were suspended for 90 days to allow time for negotiations.
That grace period ends on July 9. However, Trump said on Friday that tariffs could be raised even higher—up to 70%—with most of the new rates taking effect on August 1.
“I signed some letters, and they’ll go out Monday—probably twelve,” Trump said when asked about the tariff developments. “Different countries, different amounts, different tariff levels.”
Initially, Trump and his top advisors planned to negotiate tariff terms with dozens of countries. However, following repeated setbacks with key trading partners such as Japan and the European Union, he appears to have abandoned that approach.
“It’s much easier to just send a letter,” he remarked late Friday.
He did not elaborate on his earlier prediction that broader trade deals could be reached before the July 9 deadline.
The shift in the White House’s strategy reflects the complexities of concluding trade agreements on issues ranging from tariffs to non-tariff barriers—such as agricultural import bans—especially under accelerated timelines. Historically, most trade agreements have required years to finalize.
To date, only two deals have been concluded: one with the United Kingdom in May, which preserves the 10% base rate and grants favorable terms to sectors like automotive and aerospace; and another with Vietnam, which reduces tariffs on many Vietnamese goods to 20% from a previously threatened 46%, while allowing more U.S. products to enter Vietnam duty-free.
A deal with India has yet to materialize. Meanwhile, EU diplomats reported on Friday that trade negotiations with the Trump administration have stalled, and they may seek to maintain the status quo to avoid triggering new tariffs.
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