US to Impose Unified Tariff Rate on Over 150 Countries, President Trump Announces
Jul 17, 2025
In a bold move that could reshape global trade relations, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would impose a unified tariff rate on more than 150 countries and regions. The new tariff, which will apply to nations that do not have bilateral trade agreements with the U.S., is set to take effect on August 1.
Speaking to reporters in Washington, President Trump emphasized that the new tariff structure will be consistent for all nations included in the plan. "It's going to be the same for everyone," Trump stated, highlighting that this policy targets countries with limited trade activity with the U.S. and those not considered major trading partners.
The new tariff comes after the Trump administration introduced a baseline tariff rate of 10% in April for economies without bilateral trade agreements. While the President has previously hinted that the rate could rise to 15% or 20%, he did not provide further details on the exact tariff rate during his Wednesday announcement.
The U.S. government has already notified a number of countries, including the European Union, Japan, and South Korea, about the tariffs they will face starting next month. These nations are now entering into intense negotiations to secure more favorable terms and potentially avoid the new charges.
Regarding Japan, President Trump indicated that negotiations are still ongoing, though he expressed uncertainty about the likelihood of reaching an agreement.
The announcement has sparked concern among global trade experts, who warn that the move could strain relations with key allies and further disrupt international supply chains. Countries that fall under the new tariff regime will likely seek exemptions or more favorable terms to mitigate the economic impact.