U.S. President Donald Trump shared details of the tariff letters he sent to South Korea and Japan via his social media platform, Truth Social. In his message, Trump emphasized that trade relations with these countries have long been neither fair nor balanced, and stressed that action has now been taken to correct this.
"We Invite You to Join America’s Extraordinary Economy"
In the letter, Trump highlighted that the United States remains the world’s largest market and addressed Japan and South Korea directly:
“Therefore, we invite you to join America’s extraordinary economy.”
He pointed out the significant trade deficits the U.S. runs with both nations and reiterated the need to place trade relations on a sustainable and fair foundation.
New 25% Tariffs to Be Applied on Top of Existing Sectoral Duties
President Trump stated that the new 25% tariffs will go into effect starting August 1, 2025 , in addition to existing sector-specific duties. He also warned that goods entering the U.S. through third countries would face even higher tariffs, aiming to prevent circumvention of the new measures.
Tariff Exemption for Companies Manufacturing in the U.S.
Trump noted that Japanese and South Korean companies manufacturing products within the United States would be exempt from the tariffs. He added that approval processes for such domestic production would be accelerated.
Additionally, if either country raises its own tariffs on U.S. goods, those increases would be added to the 25% U.S. tariffs already being applied.
"We May Consider Making Revisions to This Letter”
Calling the trade deficits a major threat to U.S. economic and national security, Trump said:
“If you wish to open your previously closed trade markets to the U.S. and remove your trade barriers, we may consider making revisions to this letter.”
Trump indicated that the tariffs could be adjusted upward or downward depending on how future trade relations develop with the two Asian countries. Closing with a strong message, he said:
“The United States will never disappoint you,” signaling his vision for the future of U.S. trade relations with Japan and South Korea."
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