Japan, Trump and South Korea
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Despite early criticism that his approach to trade was erratic, senior officials now say the strategy is yielding stronger negotiating positions.
The Central Asian nation, rich in critical minerals, is deepening its ties to China but does relatively little trade with the United States.
President Donald Trump on Monday set a 25% tax on goods imported from Japan and South Korea, as well as new tariff rates on a dozen other countries.
A letter to the Kazakh president stated, “Starting on August 1, 2025, we will charge Kazakhstan a Tariff of only 25% on any and all Kazakh products sent into the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs.
The president warned both countries that if they retaliate with their own tariffs, the U.S. would further increase import taxes.
The Trump administration is stepping up pressure on trading partners to quickly make new deals before a Wednesday deadline, with plans for the United States to start sending letters Monday warning countries that higher tariffs could kick in Aug.
Unlike the European Union, the Japanese government has made no indication it plans to impose any kind of reciprocal tariff on the U.S., even if the U.S. does move forward with its planned 25% tariffs on all Japanese exports.