Many of the 14 countries affected by U.S. President Donald Trump's new tariff threats have expressed their frustration and indicated they will seek better outcomes through further negotiations before the tariffs take effect on Aug. 1.
Trump has announced tariffs ranging from 25 percent to 40 percent on 14 countries. He has posted letters to the leaders of these countries on "Truth Social" website, explaining the reasons for the tax and stating that the new tariffs will not include tariffs on other industries. Most countries say they will continue to negotiate.
Japan will be levied 25 percent tariff according to the announcement. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Tuesday said the tariffs would have an impact on the country, but added negotiations continue.
"There will be an impact on Japan's domestic industries and employment. The government will take all necessary measures to mitigate these effects during the negotiations," said Ishiba.
South African president's office responded to Trump's 30 percent tariff announcement, questioning the trade data on which the decision was made and stating that it needs more information before further negotiations can take place.
"… In our interpretation of the available trade data, the average tariff on imported goods entering South Africa stands at 7.6 percent. Importantly, 56 percent of goods enter South Africa at 0 percent, the most favored nation tariff, with 77 percent of U.S. goods entering the South African market under the 0 percent duty," according to the president's office.
Malaysia's trade ministry says it will continue to engage constructively with the United States to achieve a balanced and mutually beneficial trade agreement outcome, after the country was hit with a revised 25 percent tariff on its exports to the U.S.
"(The ministry) will continue discussions with its U.S. counterparts in good faith to address outstanding issues, clarify the scope and impact of the announced tariffs, and pursue avenues for the timely conclusion of our negotiations," the ministry said.
Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai says he wants a "better deal" than the 36-percent tariff Trump threatened to impose. Bangkok was hit with the same rate when the US president announced his initial wave of levies at the start of April, but has been paying a 10-percent standby rate as negotiators raced for a deal before the July 9 deadline.
"The most important thing is that we maintain good relations with the U.S. Once we reassess the situation, I hope we can secure a better deal," said Phumtham.
Indonesia will be imposed by 32 percent tariffs, according to the announcement.
The country's top negotiator is headed for Washington on Tuesday to meet with trade representatives of the United States, according to an economic ministry official, adding Southeast Asia's largest economy will maximize its opportunity to negotiate trade tariffs.
In response to the 25 percent of tariff hike, South Korea's presidential office held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss measures regarding trade negotiations with the U.S.
The meeting, chaired by Kim Yong-beom, presidential chief of staff for policy, said since the launch of the new administration, there has not been enough time to reach an agreement with the U.S. on all issues. He stressed that Seoul would immediately initiate consultations with Washington by putting national interests at the top priority.
Kim instructed all relevant ministries to exert maximum efforts to complete preparations by the end of July, closely monitor the effects of tariffs on exports, and implement support measures for industries such as automobiles and steel.
Negotiations to continue despite tariffs announced for 14 countries
