WASHINGTON - The United States will impose a 25 percent tariff on imports from Japan and South Korea starting Aug. 1, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced through letters to the leaders of those countries.

The messages, posted on Trump's Truth Social network, highlight longstanding US trade deficits and accuse both Asian countries of unfair trade practices. The move comes after the president's decision in April, when he announced the imposition of 10% base tariffs on most of the world's economies, with additional "reciprocal" tariffs temporarily suspended until July 9.

The administration has now clarified that the new duties will take effect on August 1, with country-specific levels to be determined over time. According to a CNN report, Trump warned in letters to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiiba and South Korean President Yi Che-myung that any retaliation in the form of countermeasures would lead to further increases in US tariffs.

"If you put a tariff on our goods, we'll double the tariff on yours," Trump said on Truth Social. US financial markets reacted to the announcement by falling - the Dow Jones index lost 530 points (1.2 %), the S&P 500 fell 0.87 % and the Nasdaq fell 0.9 %. Analysts warn that the new tariffs could raise the prices of imported goods, especially electronics and automobiles, which would hit US consumers.

The BBC pointed out in its article that Japan already faces significant trade restrictions from the US. In addition to the 10% basic duty on most exports to the US, there is a 25% duty on cars and car parts and up to a 50% duty on steel and aluminium.

On Truth Social, Trump criticised Japan for allegedly refusing to import US rice, despite what he said was a food shortage. "Japan thinks it can sell the U.S. its goods but prevent the importation of ours. That will end," wrote the president. The Japanese government has not yet responded to the announcement, but sources close to Prime Minister Ishiba say it is preparing consultations with trading partners in Asia.

The Guardian's analysis highlights the potential impact on global supply chains. South Korea, a key producer of semiconductors and electronics, could be hit particularly hard. According to the newspaper, companies such as Samsung and LG, which have a significant market in the US, are already considering moving some production to other countries to circumvent tariffs. The Guardian also warns of the risk of retaliatory measures that could lead to a further escalation of the trade war. "Trump's protectionist policies could destabilize the global economy," said the economic analyst Paul Donovan.

Fox News has focused on Trump's rhetoric that emphasizes protecting American jobs. "President Trump is delivering on his fair trade promises. Japan and South Korea cannot afford to undermine American companies," said the Fox News commentator Sean Hannity. The station also quoted Trump as saying that the tariffs are part of a broader "America First" strategy to strengthen domestic industries, particularly steel and automobile production.

Experts say the new tariffs could have far-reaching consequences. Increased prices for imported goods could accelerate inflation in the US, while retaliatory measures from Japan and South Korea could hurt US exporters, such as farmers. "This is a win-win situation," said an analyst at the think tank Peterson Institute for International Economics, quoted by CNN.


Japan and South Korea have not yet officially responded, but diplomatic sources suggest that both countries are considering a complaint to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The Trump administration has not yet released details on which specific products will be subject to the duties, but the measures are expected to affect mainly cars, electronics and steel. The U.S. Commerce Department said further details will be released in the coming weeks. In the meantime, global markets are bracing for a turbulent period as uncertainty around US trade policy grows.

gnews.cz - GH