U.S. Warns of Reimposing Reciprocal Tariffs from August… "Immediate Implementation if No Progress in Negotiations"

Trump Sends Letter on Tariff Reinstatement to 12 Countries

"Pressure to Reach Agreement Within 72 Hours"

The United States is increasing the level of trade pressure on its partner countries.

Scott Besant, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, said in a CNN interview on the 6th (local time), "For countries where there is no progress in negotiations, reciprocal tariffs will be reimposed starting August 1."

Secretary Besant stated, "President Trump will send letters to certain countries saying that 'if there is no progress in negotiations, tariff levels will revert to those of April 2,' and the next 72 hours will be extremely busy." He described this move as an 'all-out pressure tactic' to push for progress at the negotiating table.

Previously, President Trump told reporters on the 4th that he had signed letters specifying reciprocal tariffs for 12 countries and would be sending them out on the 7th. While Secretary Besant said that some countries were close to reaching an agreement, he did not disclose specific names.

Meanwhile, Reuters, citing Indian media outlet CNBC-TV18, reported that there is a possibility the U.S. and India may finalize a mini trade agreement within the next 24–48 hours. The two countries are reportedly expected to begin broader negotiations starting on the 9th following this agreement.

The United States also intends to ramp up pressure on smaller trading partners. Secretary Besant commented, "We will send roughly 100 letters even to small countries that do not have large trade volumes with the U.S.," adding that "many of these countries already have a 10% base tariff applied, but have not even reached out to discuss tariffs."

Meanwhile, on the 8th, the reciprocal tariffs that the U.S. had previously suspended will officially end. For countries where negotiations are not concluded, tariffs will automatically return.

Reporter Hyein Lee hey@hankyung.com