Trump Sends Tariff Warning Letters to 14 Nations, Rates Up to 40%

Trade Update • July 14, 2025

Key Points:

• President Donald Trump sent official letters to 14 countries, warning of higher U.S. tariffs unless new trade agreements are reached by August 1, 2025.

• The new tariffs range from 25% to 40%, with Laos and Myanmar facing the highest rates at 40%, while Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Tunisia have rates set at 25%.

• The 14 countries affected represent key trading partners across Asia, Africa, and Europe, including Bangladesh, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, South Africa, and Thailand.

he U.S. has announced new, higher tariffs on imports from 14 countries, with rates set to take effect August 1, 2025, unless new trade agreements are reached.

The U.S. tariff letters signed by Trump on July 7, 2025, were sent to Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, South Africa, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tunisia, and Bangladesh.

Updated Tariff Rates

Canada’s 35% Tariff Letter: Similarly, the United States also sent a tariff letter to Canada, imposing a 35% tariff effective August 1 unless a new trade deal is reached.

Learn more: U.S. to Impose 35% Tariff on Canada Aug. 1, Trump Warns of Retaliatory Escalation

Why Are These Tariffs Being Imposed?

• The tariffs aim to encourage countries to offer fair and reciprocal access to their markets.

• By increasing import costs, the tariffs help protect American businesses and workers from unfair competition.

• The U.S. tariff letters are intended to encourage countries to negotiate new trade deals with the U.S. by the August 1 deadline.

• Some tariffs are imposed to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and protect critical supply chains vital to national security.

Next Steps

• Impacted countries have until August 1, 2025, to reach new trade agreements with the U.S. to avoid the new tariffs.

• Certain products, especially those covered under existing agreements, may be exempt. Details are expected from the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

• The administration has warned that tariffs could rise further if countries retaliate or fail to comply with negotiation efforts.

How GHY Can Help?

GHY specializes in helping businesses navigate and reduce the impacts of tariffs through strategic solutions tailored to their needs. Our experts can audit your supply chain to identify inefficiencies, uncover cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with evolving trade regulations. We also employ tariff engineering techniques to optimize product classification and sourcing strategies, minimizing duty exposure and maximizing profitability.

By partnering with GHY, your business gains access to the tools and expertise needed to streamline operations and stay competitive in a challenging trade environment.

Contact Us Today! Booking a Meeting, email consult@ghy.com, or call +1 (800) 667-0771.