Asia No. 1 target of Trump’s tariff letters

TOKYO — Donald Trump sent letters to 14 countries, mainly in Asia, informing them that higher import tariffs will come into effect on Aug. 1 unless they reach a deal with the United States. It is the second time the U.S. president has set a deadline after he postponed tariffs on almost all countries in April for 90 days. Countries that have large trade imbalances with the United States have been key targets, including Japan ($68.5 billion surplus in 2024), South Korea ($66 billion), Thailand ($45.6 billion) and Indonesia ($17.9 billion). Here is a summary of what Trump’s letters mean for these countries: South Korea: Optimistic for a deal South Korea, already burdened by sector-specific levies on steel and automobiles, is facing a 25 percent tariff hike on its remaining exports to the United States, but is cautiously optimistic of brokering a deal. Washington “expressed agreement” and “hoped the two sides could reach an agreement before then (Aug. 1) through close communication”, South Korea’s national security adviser Wi Sung-lac said after meeting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on

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