Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jul 7: US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced that he will begin dispatching tariff letters to up to 15 countries on Monday, July 8, ramping up pressure just days before his trade deal deadline expires.

In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump said the first batch of letters will be sent out at 12 PM EST, cautioning that previously announced import levies—set in April—will snap back if trading partners fail to reach bilateral agreements.

While Trump had declared April 2 as "Liberation Day", unveiling sweeping 10% tariffs on nearly all US trading partners, he later paused the rollout for 90 days amid global market turmoil. That deadline ends on Wednesday, July 10.

However, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent offered a slight reprieve, stating the tariffs won’t actually take effect until August 1, providing additional time for trade talks. “It’s not a new deadline,” Bessent clarified. “This is when it’s happening. If you want to avoid it, make a deal.”

Trump, speaking before boarding Air Force One, said, “I think we’ll have most countries done by July 9—either a letter or a deal.” He confirmed that agreements with Britain, Vietnam, and a temporary easing with China have already been reached.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, standing beside Trump, emphasized the administration’s strategy of “maximum pressure”, adding that talks with the European Union are making “very good progress.”

Meanwhile, BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and others—criticized the US tariffs at their summit in Brazil, calling them “indiscriminate” and “illegal.” In response, Trump issued a stern warning: countries aligning with BRICS’ “anti-American policies” would face an additional 10% tariff, with “no exceptions.”

“We’re not playing games anymore,” Trump stated. “Any country that joins in anti-American rhetoric should be prepared to pay.”

As tensions rise, France and the EU are scrambling to reach a deal, while Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has refused to “easily compromise.”

Trump’s aggressive trade policy marks a renewed shift toward protectionism, with potential ripple effects for global supply chains, inflation, and diplomatic relations, especially as the US edges closer to the 2026 presidential elections.