Washington, July 8, 2025 – U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited global trade tensions by announcing a new round of tariffs on 14 countries, targeting imports with rates as high as 40%. In what he describes as a strategy to protect American industries and level the playing field, Trump emphasized he is “mostly content” with imposing the tariffs but remains open to negotiations ahead of the August 1 deadline.

ist of Countries and Tariff Rates

Here are the worst-hit nations in Trump’s latest trade offensive:

🇱🇦 Laos – 40%

🇲🇲 Myanmar – 40%

🇹🇭 Thailand – 36%

🇰🇭 Cambodia – 36%

🇧🇩 Bangladesh – 35%

🇷🇸 Serbia – 35%

🇮🇩 Indonesia – 32%

🇿🇦 South Africa – 30%

🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina – 30%

🇲🇾 Malaysia – 25%

🇹🇳 Tunisia – 25%

🇯🇵 Japan – 25%

🇰🇷 South Korea – 25%

🇰🇿 Kazakhstan – 25%

Deadline Flexibility: August 1 'Not 100% Firm'

While the tariffs are set to take effect from August 1, 2025, Trump signaled flexibility, calling the deadline "not 100% firm." This suggests countries could still strike favorable trade deals to reduce or avoid penalties.

“Maybe adjust a little bit, depending… We’re not going to be unfair,” Trump said, hinting at ongoing negotiations with nations like India, where talks are reportedly nearing completion.

Reprisal Threats & Economic Implications

Trump warned that any retaliatory measures from affected countries would be met with equal or greater tariffs. In a stern message to Japan and South Korea, shared on Truth Social, Trump stated:

“If for any reason you decide to raise your tariffs, then whatever the number you choose to raise them by will be added onto the 25% that we charge.”

He also clarified that sector-specific tariffs (e.g., on automobiles, steel, and aluminum) will not be combined with these new rates. For example, Japanese vehicles will remain subject to the existing 25% auto tariff, rather than a compounded 50%.

Deals Made and Pending

As of now, the U.S. has finalized trade agreements with the United Kingdom and Vietnam. India is reportedly close to joining that list, while other countries have received formal notices of tariff imposition.

This latest move follows Trump’s April 2025 global trade offensive, which disrupted financial markets and pressured nations into last-minute negotiations. The new executive order extends the previous July 9 deadline to August 1, giving countries a narrow window to avoid the economic fallout.

Conclusion: High Stakes, Uncertain Outcomes

As the August 1 deadline looms, Trump’s aggressive trade policy is set to strain U.S. relations with several Asian and African nations. While the president remains open to negotiation, the message is clear: comply or pay the price.

For nations like Myanmar, Laos, and Bangladesh, the economic impact could be significant, potentially affecting everything from textile exports to electronics and agriculture.