U.S. President Donald Trump: On July 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke to reporters while flying on the Air Force One from Maryland to New Jersey.
He said he had signed letters to 12 countries and explaining the different types of tariff rates they would face on goods they send to the U.S. These letters, described as “take it or leave it” offers and will be sent out on Monday, July 7.
Trump did not name the countries yet, saying the list would be made public on Monday.
Earlier, on July 3, Trump had said the first letters would be sent on Friday, July 4, but the date has now been changed.
Trump Signs ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ as Tariff Deadline Approaches
On July 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed what he called a “Big, Beautiful Bill” and while also confirming his next move in the ongoing global trade war.
Back in April, Trump announced a new 10% base tariff on goods from most countries, with the potential for higher rates—up to 50%. But to give time for negotiations, all tariffs above the 10% rate were paused for 90 days. That pause ends on July 9.
Now, Trump says the new tariffs may go even higher—possibly up to 70%—and will take effect on 1 August While flying on Air Force ,Trump told reporters:
“I signed some letters, and they’ll go out on Monday, probably twelve. Different amounts of money and different amounts of tariffs.”
At first, Trump said he wanted to negotiate deals with many countries. But after facing delays and failures—especially with the European Union and Japan—he has lost the interest in that approach.
Donald Trump said “The letters are better… much easier to send a letter”.
He didn’t mention whether broader deals might still happen before the July 9 deadline.
U.S. President Donald Trump: This shift in strategy shows how hard it is to make trade deals quickly—especially on issues like agriculture bans and non-tariff barriers, which often take years to negotiate.
So far, only two countries have made deals:
- Britain: Agreed to keep the 10% tariff and got special treatment in sectors like cars and aircraft engines.
- Vietnam: Lowered its tariffs on many goods to 20%, instead of the 46% Trump had threatened. Many U.S. products will now enter Vietnam without tariffs.
Meanwhile, a deal with India has fallen through. The EU also failed to reach an agreement and may now try to maintain the current trade rules to avoid new tariffs.
Also Read: Big, Beautiful Bill: Trump Celebrates July 4 with Major Legislation for Second-Term Agenda
