Trump sends customs duty letters to 7 more countries

U.S. President Donald Trump continues to send tax letters. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump shared the letters he sent to the leaders of the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Moldova, Brunei, Algeria, Libya, and Iraq. In the letters, he notified them that new customs duties would be applied to these countries as of August 1. With the new taxes planned to take effect, additional duties of up to 30 percent will be imposed on these countries. Trump stated, "We will no longer tolerate trade deficits that pose a threat to the U.S. economy and national security."

"WE WILL IMPOSE A 20 PERCENT CUSTOMS DUTY ON ALL PRODUCTS"

In the letter sent to the Philippines, Trump wrote, "Effective August 1, 2025, we will impose a 20 percent customs duty on all products sent from the Philippines to America. This rate is even below the level necessary to close the trade deficit between our countries."

Trump also noted that if Philippine products are brought into the U.S. via transshipment, these goods would also be subject to high taxes. Criticizing the Philippines' "unbalanced and unfair" trade policy toward the U.S. for years, Trump said that American producers have been harmed.

"THE ANSWER IS READY"

In his letters, Trump emphasized that any tax imposed by foreign governments on U.S. products for retaliatory purposes would be met with an additional tax at the same rate. Furthermore, he stated that the only way for these countries to maintain their access to the U.S. market is to manufacture within the United States. Trump said, "If companies in your country decide to manufacture their products in the United States, no tax will be applied. Approvals will be provided quickly and professionally."

"AMERICA IS THE NUMBER ONE MARKET, BUT ON THE CONDITION OF FAIR TRADE"

In his letters, Trump reiterated that "the U.S. is the largest and most attractive market in the world," but that access to this market is only possible when fair trade conditions are met.

While the rates applied to Brunei and the Philippines were increased compared to April, it was reported that the rates for Sri Lanka, Moldova, Iraq, and Libya were kept relatively low. The 30 percent rate for Algeria remained unchanged.

According to U.S. Department of Commerce data, a total of 29 billion dollars worth of goods were imported from these countries last year. This figure accounts for less than 1 percent of total U.S. imports.

In a statement made on Wednesday afternoon, Trump said that the customs duty decision regarding Brazil would be announced within 1-2 days. The U.S. president did not provide a hint about the rate of the tariff to be applied to that country, saying, "Brazil has not treated us well at all. Not good at all."

LETTERS SENT TO 21 COUNTRIES

The Trump administration has sent official letters regarding customs tariffs to a total of 21 countries this week. These countries include Japan and South Korea. The July 10 deadline previously set by Trump has been extended to August 1, 2025.