[USA] Trump prepares tariffs for Japan, South Korea, other countries ahead of August 1st

As of July 7, 2025, President Donald Trump unveiled the tariff rates the U.S. will charge imports from certain countries. This follows the expiration of a 90-day pause on country-specific levies. [1] Many countries on the list, including Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, are major suppliers of battery components and electrical transformers to the U.S. [2] The rates range from 25% to 40% and are mainly the same as the previous tariffs that were unveiled and paused in April. [3] However, several rates changed; Japan’s proposed rate increased from 24% to 25%, while South Korea and Thailand remained the same at 25% and 36% respectively. In executive order 14257, the terms of the arrangements are further clarified, stating that if any trading partner takes steps to remedy non-reciprocal trade arrangements and “align sufficiently” with the U.S. on economic and national security matters, the ‘Harmonized Tariff Schedule’ may be modified to decrease or limit in scope the duties imposed under the order. In a July 7 executive order, the 90-day pause, which was set to expire on July 9, is extended until the tariffs go into effect on August 1st.

[1] https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-06063.pdf

[2] https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/extending-the-modification-of-the-reciprocal-tariff-rates/

[3] https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/07/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-continues-enforcement-of-reciprocal-tariffs-and-announces-new-tariff-rates/