The U.S. President Donald Trump announced a sweeping new tariff plan Wednesday, targeting seven countries with import duties ranging from 20% to 30%, effective August 1.

The move escalates his administration’s aggressive trade strategy aimed at addressing what Trump calls “unfair” trade deficits with the United States.

In posts on Truth Social, Trump outlined the tariffs: the Philippines will face a 20% tariff, Brunei and Moldova will see 25%, and Sri Lanka, Iraq, Algeria, and Libya will be hit with 30%. In letters to the leaders of these nations, Trump described the measures as a response to “unfair tariffs, trade barriers, and non-tariff policies” that have fueled trade imbalances. He called the tariffs a starting point for renegotiating “more balanced and fair” trade terms, warning that attempts to circumvent the duties or impose retaliatory tariffs would trigger harsher U.S. measures.

The announcement follows Trump’s July 7 pledge to expand tariffs unless new bilateral trade deals are reached by August. He accused many trade partners of maintaining “one-sided” relationships, urging them to engage in “reciprocal” trade to benefit from the U.S. economy.

In a separate July 6 statement, Trump threatened an additional 10% tariff on countries aligning with the BRICS bloc—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and others like Egypt and Iran—following their criticism of unilateral trade measures. While enforcement details remain unclear, the move has raised concerns about escalating global trade tensions.

Supporters of the policy praise Trump’s tough stance, but critics warn the tariffs could disrupt supply chains, raise costs for American consumers, and push nations toward alternative economic alliances. Affected countries have yet to respond officially, though diplomatic sources suggest countermeasures are under consideration.

As the August 1 deadline approaches, the global trade landscape braces for potential negotiations or retaliatory actions, signaling a bold and contentious chapter in Trump’s trade agenda. (ILKHA)