Apparently impatient Trump slaps 25% tariffs on Japan, South Korea
South China Morning PostMonday, July 7, 2025 at 10:42:57 PM
President Trump, frustrated by stalled trade talks, has abruptly imposed 25% tariffs on Japan and South Korea, along with even higher taxes on imports from several other countries. The move, just ahead of a Wednesday deadline he set himself, appears to be a pressure tactic to force faster negotiations. Analysts see it as another example of Trump’s unpredictable, hardball approach to trade—sending short, blunt letters to leaders instead of waiting for diplomacy to play out.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about tariffs—it’s about Trump’s pattern of using economic threats as leverage, which rattles markets and strains alliances. Japan and South Korea are key U.S. partners, and sudden tariffs could backfire, disrupting supply chains or triggering retaliatory measures. For businesses and consumers, it means higher costs and more uncertainty in an already shaky global trade landscape.
— Curated via WP Now’s
