Article

Yesterday, President Donald Trump announced plans to impose new tariff rates on imports from several countries starting on Aug. 1, citing what he described as unfair trade practices and persistent trade imbalances. The tariffs, ranging from 25% to 40%, were formally communicated through letters sent to the respective governments and publicly posted to Truth Social.

An executive order delays the effective date of the tariffs until Aug. 1, providing a three-week window for potential negotiations or trade concessions. Below is a sample list of countries with their new tariff rates as more detail was released by the White House yesterday in this fact sheet:

• 25% Tariffs: Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Tunisia
• 30% Tariffs: South Africa, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• 32% Tariffs: Indonesia
• 35% Tariffs: Bangladesh, Serbia
• 36% Tariffs: Cambodia, Thailand
• 40% Tariffs: Laos, Myanmar

The letters indicate they the tariff rates are separate from all sectoral tariffs. While the letters do not define "sectoral tariffs," the administration is likely referring to the several ongoing Section 232 investigations which could result in tariffs for specific sectors such as critical minerals or copper. NMMA submitted several comment letters for the ongoing Section 232 investigations.

The White House emphasized that the action is designed to level the playing field for American manufacturers and reduce U.S. trade deficits. Administration officials made clear that if the targeted countries do not reach acceptable trade agreements with the United States before Aug. 1, the tariffs will take full effect, and warned that any retaliatory tariffs would prompt the U.S. to impose higher duties in response.

NMMA will continue working with the administration, Congress and industry partners to ensure U.S. trade policy is targeted, balanced and aligned with the needs of American manufacturers.

For more information, contact NMMA’s Clay Crabtree, Senior Director of Public Policy, at [email protected].