Trump Slaps 25% Tariffs On Japan and South Korea Imports/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump announced 25% tariffs on imports from Japan and South Korea, citing trade imbalances. The move reignites trade tensions and rattles financial markets. Trump threatened further hikes if either country retaliates.
Quick Look:
- Trump imposes 25% tariffs on Japan, South Korea
- Takes effect August 1 amid stalled negotiations
- Markets dip as businesses brace for trade fallout
Trump Slaps 25% Tariffs on Japan and South Korea, Escalating Trade Tensions
Deep Look
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump reignited global trade tensions Monday, announcing sweeping 25% tariffs on imports from Japan and South Korea, two of America’s closest allies in Asia.
Trump unveiled the move in letters posted to his Truth Social account, declaring the new tariffs would take effect on August 1. He cited what he called “persistent trade imbalances” with both nations as justification for the steep levies, warning that any retaliation from either country would trigger even higher duties.
“If for any reason you decide to raise your tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 25% that we charge,” Trump wrote to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.
The letters mirrored language from Trump’s earlier threat on “Liberation Day” in April, when he announced similar tariff levels but paused implementation for 90 days to allow time for negotiations. Those talks appear to have collapsed, prompting Monday’s escalation.
The White House framed the tariffs as an effort to pry open foreign markets still seen as shielded by tariff and non-tariff barriers. “If you wish to open your heretofore closed Trading Markets to the United States, eliminate your tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter,” Trump’s message said.
Financial markets quickly reacted to the renewed trade fight. The S&P 500 fell 0.8% following Trump’s social media posts, reflecting worries about potential economic fallout, especially in industries like autos and electronics that depend on supply chains across the Pacific.
Japan and South Korea are critical partners for the U.S., not only economically but strategically, as Washington seeks to counter China’s growing influence in the region. Analysts warned that the new tariffs could strain those alliances, disrupt global supply chains, and trigger fresh trade wars.
The letters capped weeks of speculation over whether Trump would follow through on his threats to impose new trade barriers after months of relative calm in global markets. With the tariff clock now ticking toward August 1, businesses and investors face renewed uncertainty over the future of U.S. trade policy.
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