Trump Warns 12 Nations of New US Tariffs: “Take It or Leave It”

US President Donald Trump has revealed that he has signed tariff warning letters to 12 countries, detailing the specific rates they will face on exports to the United States. Describing them as “take it or leave it” offers, Trump said the letters would be dispatched Monday, although he stopped short of naming the nations involved.

Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to New Jersey, Trump said, “I signed some letters and they will go out on Monday, probably 12. Different amounts of money, different amounts of tariffs.” He noted that sending letters is easier than holding “15 different” negotiations.

The move comes just days before a sweeping wave of tariff hikes—ranging between 10% and 70%—are due to hit dozens of economies, including the European Union and Taiwan. These increases are part of a broader tariff escalation announced in April, where the US imposed a 10% duty on most trading partners, with plans to increase those selectively.

Initially expected to take effect earlier, the tariff hikes were postponed until July 9 to allow for bilateral trade talks. However, several countries have failed to strike last-minute deals. Negotiations with India have stalled, and European Union diplomats confirmed they had failed to reach a breakthrough with Washington, now aiming to maintain the current tariff regime to avoid further hikes.

Deals have so far been concluded with the United Kingdom and Vietnam. The US and China have also agreed to temporarily scale back mutually imposed tariffs.

Trump emphasized the simplicity of his strategy, adding, “You know, with the UK, we did that. And it was great for both parties. With China, we did that, and I think it’s very good for both parties.”

With the July 9 deadline nearing, the letters serve as Trump’s final message: comply with US trade demands or face higher costs.