Trump to Send Letters Specifying Tariff Rates to Each Country Starting on the 4th

Trump Pressures for 'Agreements' Ahead of Reciprocal Tariff Grace Period Expiration on the 8th

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on the 3rd that, as early as the 4th (local time), he will begin sending letters to various countries specifying reciprocal tariff rates.

Speaking with reporters before departing Washington, D.C. for a visit to Iowa on this day, President Trump said, "Starting tomorrow (the 4th), I will probably send some letters to about 10 countries per day," adding, "The letters will state the amount they will have to pay when dealing with the United States." He continued, "Besides a couple of other agreements (other than with the United Kingdom and Vietnam), my plan is to send letters specifying the tariffs," and noted, "It's much easier that way."

President Trump's remarks are interpreted as an intention to notify each country of the reciprocal tariff rates set for them before the expiration of the reciprocal tariff grace period on the 8th. While there is some speculation about a possible last-minute extension of the grace period, the aim is to urge each country to expedite negotiations with the United States.

The Trump administration set reciprocal tariffs for 57 countries, including South Korea, on April 2, and implemented them on April 9. However, the tariffs were immediately suspended for 90 days. Since then, the Trump administration has used the expiration of the reciprocal tariff grace period as a deadline to conduct trade negotiations with each country, addressing tariff rates, trade balance, and the elimination of non-tariff barriers.