US Imposes Tariffs on Multiple Countries, Trade Tensions Rise

US President Donald Trump has delayed imposing higher tariffs on US imports, while sending letters to 14 countries, including Japan and South Korea, detailing the levies they face, with rates ranging from 25% to 40%. Trump said he is "firm but not 100% firm" on the August deadline and is open to further trade talks. The tariffs were initially set to come into effect on July 9 but were suspended to allow for trade negotiations. Economists say the measures will raise prices in the US and reduce trade, while investors remain hopeful that Trump's threats are a negotiating tactic rather than a serious intent to impose tariffs. Countries including Japan, South Korea, and Thailand have expressed regret over the tariffs and plan to intensify talks with the US to reach a deal.

The US is expected to impose tariffs on European goods, with President Trump threatening to increase the rate to 50%, potentially making European products such as French cheese, Italian leather goods, and German electronics more expensive in the US. The EU is prepared to retaliate with tariffs on American products, including beef, auto parts, beer, and Boeing airplanes. The trade between the US and EU is valued at $2 trillion annually, with the EU having a trade surplus in goods but the US having a surplus in services. Economists warn that higher tariffs will lead to higher prices for US consumers, with companies such as Mercedes-Benz and Campari Group potentially increasing prices. Some companies may shift production to the US to avoid tariffs, but forecasts indicate that the US economy would be more at risk if negotiations fail, with a potential loss of 0.7% of GDP.

The White House sent letters to 14 countries announcing tariffs ranging from 25% to 40% starting August 1, causing U.S. markets to fall. The letters, penned by President Donald Trump, contain bold declarations and veiled threats, but analysts say they may not be as significant as they seem, as the tariffs and deadlines are similar to those previously announced. U.S. markets ended in the red, with Tesla losing over $68 billion in value after CEO Elon Musk announced a new U.S. political party. Samsung Electronics forecast a 56% plunge in profits, while analysts are advising investors to be more conservative in the Chinese market.

U.S. President Donald Trump sent letters to 14 countries announcing tariffs ranging from 25% to 40% starting August 1. Although the letters contained bold declarations and veiled threats, analysts believe they may not signify much new, as the tariffs and deadlines were largely previously announced. U.S. markets fell on the news, with major indexes having their worst session in almost a month. Tesla's shares dropped 6.8%, wiping out over $68 billion in value, while Samsung Electronics forecast a 56% plunge in profits. Analysts are advising investors to be more conservative in the Chinese market.

European markets are expected to open lower on Tuesday, with the FTSE 100 down 0.3% and the DAX and CAC 40 down 0.1% each, as traders digest the latest trade tariff news and potential trade deals ahead of a July 9 deadline. The US has threatened 14 countries with higher tariffs from August 1, while EU diplomats say a framework agreement for a deal with the White House is possible, potentially including a 10% baseline tariff rate and exemptions for certain goods. Economists expect the US effective tariff rate to rise to around 20%.

US President Donald Trump has announced tariffs against seven countries, effective August 1, as part of his trade war regime aimed at bolstering US-based manufacturing and jobs. Japan and South Korea will face 25% tariffs on all goods, while Malaysia and Kazakhstan will also face 25% rates. South Africa will be hit with 30% tariffs, and Laos and Myanmar will face 40% duties. The tariffs are in addition to existing sector-specific tariffs, such as 50% on steel. Trump has written to the affected countries, warning against retaliatory tariffs and stating that rates can be adjusted based on the US relationship with each country. The European Union is also expected to receive a letter, while the UK is likely to be exempt due to its recent trade deal with the US.

US President Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Japan and South Korea, and varying tariffs on several other countries, citing slow progress in negotiations, with the new rates taking effect on August 1, and warned that further increases would occur if affected countries raised their own tariffs.

US President Donald Trump's surprise announcement of 25% tariffs on imports from South Korea and Japan is seen as a high-stakes bargaining tactic rather than a final blow, with analysts believing it highlights Trump's preference for brinkmanship-style deal-making, leaving room for diplomacy as South Korea crafts its response ahead of an August 1 deadline.

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba described US President Donald Trump's latest tariff announcement as "truly regrettable," but expressed willingness to continue negotiations. Japan, along with other countries including South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, and South Africa, face new or unchanged tariff rates. While expressing shock and regret, these nations remain optimistic about negotiating favorable outcomes, with some already engaging in talks with the US to address the new tariffs, which are set to take effect on August 1.

Malaysia is seeking urgent trade talks with the US after the US imposed a 25% tariff on its exports, and is committed to negotiating a "balanced, mutually beneficial and comprehensive trade agreement" with the US, while trying to soften the blow of the new tariffs.

China's dominance in rare earths is facing global pushback as countries and companies invest in projects to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on Chinese supplies, but analysts warn Beijing still has a "strong hand" and will likely remain a leader in the industry for years to come.

China is pivoting its economic strategy in response to the ongoing trade war with the US, and Guizhou, a previously impoverished province, is being positioned as a key player in this new strategy, leveraging its inland location and comparative advantages to develop industrial bases, material reserves, and infrastructure as part of Beijing's "strategic hinterland strategy".