Seven Tariff Letters to Be Sent as August 1 Deadline Looms
President Donald Trump has intensified his trade offensive by announcing that at least seven new tariff letters will be delivered to U.S. trade partners on Wednesday, warning that a strict deadline of August 1 will not be extended. This move is part of a broader strategy aimed at pressuring nations into striking new trade deals with the United States, as the global economy remains on edge amid persistent volatility.
The former president made the announcement on his Truth Social account, indicating that more letters could follow throughout the day. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that 15 to 20 countries could receive such notices within 48 hours. The campaign follows Monday’s initial release of letters to 14 nations including Japan, South Korea and South Africa, reiterating tariff rates first disclosed in April.
The White House also confirmed that Trump signed an executive order shifting the implementation of these tariffs from July 9 to August 1, effectively giving nations a final window for negotiation. However, Trump clarified on Tuesday that no further extensions would be granted.
High-Impact Tariffs Proposed Across Sectors
In a bold escalation, Trump pledged to impose a 10% tariff on all imports from BRICS countries — a group comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, with newer members including Egypt, Iran, and the UAE. The aim, he said, is to counter what he described as a direct threat to the U.S. dollar’s global standing.
“BRICS was set up to hurt us,” Trump said during a cabinet meeting. “They want to take the dollar off as the standard. That’s like losing a major world war.”
Alongside the BRICS announcement, Trump unveiled plans for a 50% tariff on copper imports and a staggering 200% tax on imported pharmaceuticals. The measures, while part of a long-standing “America First” economic agenda, have raised concerns about renewed instability in global markets.
Trump insists the aggressive posture is necessary to protect American industry and currency. “All money will be due and payable starting August 1 — no extensions will be granted,” he wrote, underscoring the administration’s hardened stance.
EU and China Remain in Delicate Talks
Despite ongoing negotiations with the European Union, Trump confirmed that a letter to the bloc is imminent, possibly within two days. Although he acknowledged that “the European Union is now treating us very nicely,” he criticized the bloc for recent legal actions against American tech firms.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen responded on X, stating the EU is negotiating “in good faith” to reach a mutual agreement before the August deadline.
Meanwhile, only the United Kingdom and Vietnam have reached trade framework deals with the U.S. since April, while China has agreed to a trade truce until August 12. Other countries included in the BRICS network or aligned economically with the group now face increasing pressure to respond before penalties take effect.
Economic Implications and Political Signal
Trump’s message is aimed not only at recalibrating U.S. trade policy but also at reinforcing geopolitical influence. His criticism of BRICS echoes past warnings about the coalition’s intention to challenge Western dominance, especially through the potential development of a new reserve currency.
The inclusion of a 10% BRICS tariff, a 50% copper duty, and a 200% pharmaceutical tax signals a return to the aggressive tariff diplomacy seen during Trump’s first term. Economists warn these steps may disrupt global supply chains and reignite inflationary pressures.
Still, the administration believes its firm deadline will accelerate deal-making. “A letter means a deal,” Trump stated, framing the notices as both a warning and an invitation.