Trump Slaps 25% Tariff On Japan, South Korea, Warns Against Retaliation

President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the United States would impose 25% tariffs on imports from Japan and South Korea, following his extension of the “Liberation Day” tariff deadline, initially scheduled for April.

On Truth Social, Trump posted letters addressed to the leaders of both countries informing them of the new tariffs. The 25% blanket tariffs will be in addition to sector-specific tariffs already in place. The tariffs on Japan and South Korea will go into effect on August 1.

“Please understand that the 25% number is far less than what is needed to eliminate the Trade Deficit disparity we have with your Country,” Trump wrote to both Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korea’s new president, Lee Jae-myung. Trump added that Japanese and South Korean companies can avoid the tariffs if they manufacture their products in the United States.

Trump then warned the countries against retaliating against the United States with reciprocal tariffs, stating that he would respond by increasing tariffs on them, in addition to the 25% blanket tariffs.

“If you wish to open your heretofore closed Trading Markets to the United States and eliminate your Tariff, and Non Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter,” Trump wrote to both nations. “These tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your Country. You will never be disappointed with the United States of America.”

Trump posted the letters shortly after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC on Monday morning that “several” trade announcements would come “in the next 48 hours.” Trump hinted last week that he would soon send letters to countries outlining their new tariff rates. Japanese economy minister Ryosei Akazawa has traveled to Washington, D.C., seven times in recent weeks for ongoing trade talks with the Trump administration, but so far, the talks have yielded no results.

Last week, Trump said that there likely wouldn’t be a trade deal with Japan, calling the country “spoiled,” The Hill reported.

“We dealt with Japan. I’m not sure if we’re going to make a deal. I doubt it with Japan — they’re very tough. You have to understand, they’re spoiled. I love Japan. I really like the new prime minister, too,” he said, adding, “But they and others are so spoiled from having ripped us off for 30, 40 years that it’s really hard for them to make a deal. You know, it’s very hard. As an example, with Japan, they won’t take rice, and yet they desperately need rice,” he said. “They won’t take any cars, but they’ll sell millions. So, we told them, ‘Sorry you can’t do that.’”

South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in D.C. over the weekend, where he called on the United States to eliminate or reduce tariffs on steel and vehicles, Bloomberg reported. Yeo’s meeting with Greer marked his second trip to D.C. since the new administration took over in South Korea.