- New U.S. tariff letters target six countries, effective August 1.
- Tariffs range from 20% to 30% on a broad mix of imports.
- Trump warns of escalation if countries retaliate or fail to comply.
In a renewed effort to reshape global trade dynamics, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a new round of tariff notices to six nations: Algeria, Brunei, Iraq, Libya, Moldova, and the Philippines. These letters outline sharp duties ranging from 20% to 30%, set to take effect on August 1.
Trump framed the move as necessary to correct what he described as “imbalanced trade practices” and to encourage foreign firms to shift manufacturing to American soil.
Trump Unleashes Trade Pressure: New Tariffs Hit Six More Countries in Escalating Push
This wave of tariffs follows a similar series of actions earlier in the week targeting 14 countries, including major U.S. allies. The newly announced rates are a step up from the baseline 10% tariffs Trump announced in April under the so-called “Liberation Day Tariffs.”
With the 90-day delay period now expired, the White House appears determined to accelerate trade pressure, particularly on developing economies seen as benefiting from U.S. market access without providing equivalent terms in return.
In addition to country-specific duties, the White House is reportedly preparing to impose industry-specific tariffs on copper and pharmaceuticals, signaling a broader crackdown on strategic imports. These measures are designed not only to curb dependency but also to stimulate growth in key U.S. industries deemed critical to national security and long-term resilience.
Analysts observe that the targeted nations in this round — particularly Iraq and the Philippines — maintain significant bilateral cooperation with the U.S. in areas like defense and migration. As such, the economic strain could reverberate through diplomatic relations. Still, Trump’s posture remains unflinching, as he frames these policies as part of a necessary economic rebalancing.
Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy is a high-stakes gamble aimed at restructuring international trade—one that could either realign global commerce or ignite fresh economic conflicts.
Trade wars are good, and easy to win.”
— Donald J. Trump
