A bombshell announcement has rocked the international trade world! U.S. President Donald Trump has recently signed "take it or leave it" tariff letters targeting 12 countries, expected to be officially issued on Monday, July 7, 2025.

12 Countries Face "High-Pressure" Tariffs

Although President Trump has not yet publicly disclosed the specific list of these 12 countries, he clearly stated that the relevant information will be made public on July 7. This means that goods exported from these countries to the United States will face varying degrees of tariff barriers.

Tariff Escalation, Potentially Up to 70%!

This move comes against the backdrop of a global trade war.

• Previously in April, Trump had announced a 10% base tariff rate.

• For most countries, additional tariff amounts were added, some even as high as 50%.

• However, all tariffs beyond the 10% base rate were suspended for 90 days to allow for negotiations, with this suspension period ending on July 9.

• Even more concerning, Trump has hinted that tariffs could go even higher, potentially up to 70%, with most expected to take effect on August 1.

Trade Agreements Face Major Challenges, Negotiations Slow

The decision to send out tariff intentions via letters also reflects the challenges the U.S. faces in quickly concluding comprehensive trade agreements. Historical experience shows that past trade agreements often take years to finalize.

To date, only Britain, Vietnam and Cambodia have reached trade agreements with the U.S., while deals with India and the European Union have not materialized.

What Does This Mean for Global Trade?

The issuance of these tariff letters to 12 countries is undoubtedly another significant move in U.S. trade policy, potentially having a profound impact on the global trade landscape. For the affected countries and businesses reliant on exports to the U.S., this is undoubtedly a severe test, requiring close attention to subsequent developments and timely strategic adjustments.