The U.S. will put in place a 25% tariffs on imports from Japan and South Korea starting on Aug. 1, according to letters posted by President Donald Trump on his social media platform on Monday.
Trump wrote to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to inform them of the news, citing unfair trade balances.
“Our relationship, unfortunately, has been far from Reciprocal,” the letters read.
Trump added in each letter, “We look forward to working with you as a Trading Partner for many years to come. If you wish to open your heretofore closed Trading Markets to the United States, and eliminate your Tariff, and Non Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter.”
President Donald Trump walks toward the media with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick before boarding Air Force One, at Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, N.J., July 6, 2025.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP