U.S. President Donald Trump said he will impose 25 per cent tariffs on Japan and South Korea starting on Aug. 1, ramping up pressure on both countries to reach an agreement with the United States.  

Mr. Trump made the announcement in two letters posted on his social media website Truth Social, shortly after noon on Monday. 

“Starting on August 1, 2025, we will charge Japan a Tariff of only 25 per cent on any and all Japanese products sent into the United States, separate from all Sectoral Tariffs. Goods transshipped to evade a higher Tariff will be subject to that higher Tariff,” Mr. Trump wrote. 

He also said that if Japan retaliates with its own counter-tariffs, “whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 25 per cent that we charge.”