The United States will impose a 25% tariff on all Japanese and Korean products starting from August 1.

According to a report by Cailian Press on July 8th, U.S. President Donald Trump posted a letter to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in on social media platforms on July 7th, stating that the United States would impose a 25% tariff on all Japanese and Korean products starting from August 1, 2025.
Trump stated that despite the substantial trade deficits between the United States and Japan and South Korea, he has decided to continue cooperation with both nations. However, he has decided to move forward with a more balanced and fair trade approach. Trump mentioned that the trade deficit poses a significant threat to the economy and even national security of the United States, necessitating changes. From August 1, 2025, the United States will impose a 25% tariff on all Korean and Japanese products, which will be independent of various sectoral tariffs. Additionally, any attempt to circumvent this tariff through third-party transit will also be subject to higher tariffs. Trump noted that companies choosing to build factories or produce products within the United States do not need to pay this tariff. Furthermore, if South Korea and Japan decide to increase their tariffs on the United States, the country will impose an equivalent amount of tariffs on top of the existing 25% rate.