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“It’s going to be the same for everyone,” he said.
“It’s going to be the same for everyone,” he said.
What is happening?
US-President Donald Trump announced plans to send a single letter informing more than 150 countries of the tariff rates they will soon face.
“Same for Everyone,” Says Trump
During a White House meeting with Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Trump clarified his intent:
“It’s all going to be the same for everyone, for that group,” he said.
Big Players Already Notified
Major trading partners like China, Japan, and South Korea have already received individual tariff letters.
They are considered too significant economically to be included in the blanket rate plan Trump outlined.
Baseline Tariff Now at 10%
Since April, a 10% baseline tariff has been in place for most countries.
Trump has hinted at raising that to between 15% and 20%, though he offered no specific figure during Wednesday’s comments.
Countdown to August 1
The new tariffs are scheduled to take effect on August 1.
The looming deadline has sparked a flurry of last-minute negotiations as affected nations attempt to secure better terms before the cutoff.
Doubts Over Timeline
Despite the deadline, there’s growing skepticism about whether the changes will be enacted as planned.
Analysts warn that sweeping new tariffs could slow economic growth and hurt Trump’s approval ratings heading into election season.
Key Countries Still in the Dark
Several countries that contribute significantly to the US trade deficit—like Taiwan, Switzerland, and India—have not yet received official notice.
Mixed Signals on India Deal
Trump sent contradictory messages regarding India.
At first, he described the situation as an ongoing negotiation, saying, “Maybe with India. I don’t know.”
Minutes later, he sounded more optimistic: “We’re very close to a deal with India, where they open up.”
Japan Talks Hit a Wall
Trump has previously threatened Tokyo with a hefty 25% tariff but indicated Wednesday that a breakthrough is unlikely.
“I think we’ll probably live by the letter with Japan,” he remarked.
Strategy or Gamble?
Trump’s tariff strategy reflects his broader “America First” trade approach, but the one-size-fits-all letter to over 150 nations marks a bold shift.
