‘Truly regrettable’: Trump slaps 25% tariffs on South Korea and Japan. What now?
South China Morning PostTuesday, July 8, 2025 at 6:35:08 AM
In a move that caught many off guard, President Trump has imposed hefty 25% tariffs on imports from South Korea and Japan, calling it "truly regrettable." Analysts see this less as a definitive action and more as a high-pressure negotiation tactic—classic Trump brinkmanship. While the announcement has sparked urgency in Seoul, with emergency cabinet meetings underway, there’s still wiggle room for diplomatic solutions before the August 1 deadline.
Editor’s Note: Tariffs like these don’t just rattle governments—they ripple through global supply chains, affecting businesses and consumers. Trump’s hardball approach keeps allies guessing, but the real stakes are economic stability and diplomatic trust. If this escalates, it could mean pricier goods and strained relations, but for now, it’s a tense waiting game to see who blinks first.
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