U.S. President Donald Trump has signed letters to 12 countries notifying them of new tariff rates on their exports to the United States, with the messages set to be delivered on a strict “take it or leave it” basis starting Monday.
Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to New Jersey, Trump declined to name the countries but confirmed the letters had been signed and would outline varying tariff levels, according to news agencies.
Initially, Trump had said the letters would go out Friday, but the timeline was shifted due to the U.S. national holiday. In April, Trump had proposed a 10% base tariff on all imports, with the potential for higher rates — some reaching 50%. These additional tariffs were temporarily suspended for 90 days to allow for trade negotiations. That pause expires on July 9.
Now, Trump has suggested that tariffs could climb even higher than previously announced — potentially up to 70% — with most increases set to take effect on August 1. “I signed some letters and they’ll be sent Monday. Maybe 12 letters… different tariffs, different amounts of money,” Trump told reporters.
Meanwhile, EU diplomatic sources confirmed that trade talks with the U.S. have yet to yield a breakthrough. With the deadline fast approaching, the European Commission is reportedly exploring ways to extend the current status quo to avoid facing increased tariffs. Hopes of a comprehensive trade agreement before July 9 have faded, though some optimism remains for a preliminary deal.
According to EU officials, Washington may be open to pausing further tariff increases for partners who agree to preliminary terms, with a chance of easing tariffs later. Without such an agreement, tariffs on EU imports are expected to rise from 10% to 20%. In one proposal, the U.S. considered applying a 17% tariff specifically on European agricultural and food products.
Two EU diplomats said the Commission appears to be leaning toward extending the current tariff suspension while continuing negotiations. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant confirmed that talks are expected to resume early next week.
A European Commission spokesperson added, “Progress was made toward a preliminary agreement during the latest round of negotiations… the Commission will now re-engage with the United States early next week.”
In parallel, leaders of BRICS nations — representing nearly half the global population and 40% of global GDP — are set to convene in Rio de Janeiro.
The summit is expected to include a strong joint statement criticizing U.S. tariff policies. However, despite unity on trade issues, BRICS nations remain divided on key geopolitical topics, including crises in the Middle East.
