U.S. President Donald Trump said regarding the deadline for the reciprocal tariff suspension, which ends on the 8th next month, "What we need to do is send letters to all countries." Specific figures of 25-50% or 10% were also mentioned as tariff rates.
On the 29th (local time), President Trump, during an interview with Fox News, when asked, "How do you plan to handle the approaching deadline for the reciprocal tariff suspension?" replied, "It's very simple," and noted, "Great people are negotiating with all countries, but it’s better to just send letters."
Previously, on April 2, Trump announced a 90-day suspension of the reciprocal tariff for trading partners, effective from April 9, while negotiations were ongoing with each country. However, his remarks that day indicate that the suspension measure will not be extended.
Trump stated, "You can't negotiate with all 200 countries being discussed," adding that the upcoming letters to be sent would represent "the end of trade negotiations." However, according to government sources, our government has not yet received any letters from the United States.
Trump also mentioned that he could "send letters" to Japan, where negotiations are ongoing. He said it is "unfair" that Japan does not import many U.S. cars while the U.S. imports millions of Japanese cars, emphasizing, "We have a large trade deficit with Japan."
He continued, "I will send letters to all countries to examine trade deficits or any issues. I think it should be done right now," adding, "It's fine not to meet. This means imposing tariffs of 25%, 35%, 50%, or 10% while allowing imports from the U.S."
This suggests that a reciprocal tariff of up to 50% could be unilaterally imposed, while only a basic tariff of 10% would be applied to certain countries.
When asked if he is concerned that Japan and Korea could enter into agreements that apply lower tariffs than U.S. automobile manufacturers, Trump replied, "U.S. auto companies are too busy selling cars in the U.S. to worry about that issue," and said, "That won't happen."
Trump is imposing a 25% item-specific tariff on cars and parts under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. However, he recently agreed to impose a 10% tariff on British cars up to a quota of 100,000 units annually.
On this day, illegal immigration enforcement in sectors highly dependent on labor, such as farms and hotels, was also mentioned. Trump stated, "If you bring in all the people doing the hard work that many don't do, it destroys U.S. farmers," and indicated that farm and hotel owners are preparing temporary permits to control government immigration enforcement.
He said, "I am the strongest advocate for immigration policy in history, but I am also the strongest advocate for farmers."