President Trump said the U.S. will impose steep levies on imports from 14 countries starting next month, heightening pressure on trading partners.

Japan and South Korea have until Aug. 1 to agree new trade terms with the U.S., or face 25% “reciprocal” tariffs. The two Asian countries share vulnerabilities that put them in President Trump’s crosshairs,

The U.S.’s closest security allies in Asia, along with six Southeast Asian countries, have been given another three weeks to negotiate trade deals — or face higher tariffs.

Trump sent a letter to Ramaphosa on Monday, July 7, informing him that BRICS nation South Africa would face a 30 percent reciprocal tariff from August 1, 2025, to reflect the trade barriers he said the U.S. faces. Trump sent similar letters to 13 other countries.