Trump Browbeats Asian Countries With Higher Tariffs

U.S. President Donald Trump has sent letters to nations including Japan and South Korea, threatening higher tariffs if new trade deals are not reached within three weeks in order to reduce U.S. trade deficits, The Straits Times reported.

The letters were sent in waves and laid out consequences for countries if they fail to finalize trade agreements before the elevated tariffs. I Photo: Donald J. Trump Truth Social

Other countries received letters outlining specific tariff rates—25% for Malaysia and 36% for Thailand.

Trump warned that any retaliation would trigger further tariffs, affecting sectors such as automobiles and steel. Experts have cautioned that the moves could lead to economic slowdowns, price hikes, job losses, and potential business closures.

Many countries are now seeking alternative markets due to the mounting uncertainty around U.S. trade policy.

The letters were sent in waves and laid out consequences for countries including Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and others if they fail to finalize trade agreements before the elevated tariffs—unilaterally announced by Trump in early April and then paused—take effect on July 9.

Trump started with U.S. allies in East Asia, telling Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung that their exports to the U.S. would be subject to 25% tariffs starting August 1.

For Malaysia and Indonesia, both currently engaged in intense negotiations, Trump’s letters specified tariffs of 25% and 32%, respectively. Thailand was informed of a 36% tariff, while Laos and Myanmar face even steeper rates of 40% each.

These figures are broadly consistent with Trump’s April announcement, which stunned the region with some of the highest tariffs ever proposed.

The new rates for Malaysia and Japan are slightly higher than the 24% announced earlier, while those for Laos and Myanmar are a step down from the original 48% and 44%, respectively. The administration gave no explanation for the adjustments.