Fox News Interview
"No Need to Extend Tariff Suspension... Letters to Be Sent Before the 9th"
Citing Japan, "25% Tariff on Automobiles"
Tariff Rates "25%, 35%, 50%, or 10%"
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on the 29th (local time) that, regarding the expiration of the mutual tariff suspension deadline on the 8th of next month, "What we need to do is send letters to all countries before the 9th." He also hinted that reciprocal tariff rates on trading partners could be set between 10% and 50%.
In an interview with Fox News released that day, President Trump was asked whether the mutual tariff suspension would be extended. He replied, "I don't think it's necessary. We could extend it, but it's not a big deal," and gave this answer.
Previously, President Trump suspended the implementation of mutual tariffs for 90 days immediately after they took effect in April. Since then, he has been conducting trade negotiations with each trading partner.
President Trump cited Japan, which is currently engaged in negotiations, as an example, saying, "We will soon send a letter," and added, "This will conclude the trade negotiations."
He pointed out that while Japan does not import American cars, the United States imports millions of Japanese cars, calling this "unfair." He explained, "We have a large trade deficit with Japan, and they understand that." He then added, "Japan will be subject to a 25% tariff on automobiles."
In particular, when asked whether South Korea and Japan could sign agreements that would allow them to impose lower tariffs than those imposed on American automakers, he stated, "That will not happen." President Trump is currently imposing a 25% item-specific tariff on imported cars and auto parts.
President Trump also noted that other countries could reduce their trade deficits by importing U.S. energy and other goods, but said he would send letters imposing tariffs ranging from 10% to 50%.
He said, "What we need to do is send a letter and say, 'Congratulations. We are going to impose a 25%, 35%, 50%, or 10% tariff.'" It is interpreted that the United States could impose reciprocal tariffs of up to 50%, taking into account each country's tariff and non-tariff trade barriers, but that some countries may only be subject to a basic tariff of 10%.
Additionally, President Trump stated that he would lift sanctions on Iran if the country achieves peace.
When asked whether his recent remarks that China could purchase Iranian oil implied a lifting of sanctions, he responded, "No, I did not mean it that way," and added, "If Iran can achieve peace and demonstrate that it will not cause any harm, I will lift the sanctions." He continued, "Sanctions are very costly and must be used with great caution."
Previously, on the 24th, President Trump mentioned on his own social networking service, Truth Social, that China could continue to purchase Iranian oil, which led some to speculate that he might be signaling a possible withdrawal of sanctions against Iran.
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