TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United States (U.S.) will send letters to about 100 small economies regarding the tariff policy as the deadline looms for the 90-day pause on the imposition of country-specific tariffs, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNN on Sunday, as quoted by Mainichi.
Bessent declined to mention which countries are close to reaching agreements, but stated the letters will be sent to countries with very little trade volume with the U.S. where many "never even contacted" the Trump-led administration.
The White House hopes pressure on U.S. trading partners this week can force them to finalize new tariff deals before the deadline on Wednesday, July 9, as reported by CBS News.
White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett warned small countries that have not agreed to Trump's tariff deal that higher tariffs may take effect on August 1.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also told reporters that higher tariffs may take effect on August 1 for countries that do not reach agreements by Wednesday.
"Our smaller trading partners could become much bigger trading partners," Hassett said on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
"And that's, I think, one of the reasons why countries are racing to set deals up with us ahead of the deadline."
A total of 15 letters will be sent starting Monday, President Donald Trump confirmed to reporters before returning to the White House from his New Jersey club on Sunday. Some will be sent on Tuesday and Wednesday, he said, adding that "some deals have been made."
However, Bessent dismissed the idea that August 1 is a new deadline and declined to comment on what might happen on Wednesday.
Bessent stressed that the current Trump administration is focusing negotiation efforts on 18 major trading partners that contribute to 95 percent of the U.S. trade deficit.
One of the affected countries is Japan, which faces an additional 14 percent levy on top of the 10 percent base tariff.
Trump announced the specific per-country tariff policy on April 2, targeting about 60 countries that enjoy a trade surplus with the U.S. He then suspended the policy for 90 days, which will end on Wednesday.
Editor’s Choice: Elon Musk Challenges the Two-Party System in the U.S.
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
A Look at Indonesia-US Trade Balance
29 menit lalu
From May 2020 to May 2025, Indonesia's trade balance with the United States remained in surplus.
Trump Threatens 10% Tariff Hike on BRICS Nations
44 menit lalu
President Donald Trump said that the U.S. would impose a 10 percent tariff on any country that aligns itself with the BRICS' anti-American policies.
US Import Tariffs Weaken IHSG
2 jam lalu
The Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) weakened by 0.05 percent to 6,861.7 in today's first trading session, Monday, July 7, 2025.
Netanyahu Bound for Washington to Negotiate Gaza Ceasefire
5 jam lalu
This is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 3rd visit to the United States in six months.
Elon Musk Challenges the Two-Party System in the U.S.
5 jam lalu
Elon Musk expresses disappointment with Donald Trump, whom he had previously supported, and now he has an idea to create a new party.
Vietnam Lays Off 80,000 Civil Servants for Efficiency
6 jam lalu
Former communist officials in Vietnam are dealing with an uncertain future after being laid off from their positions.
Elon Musk Creates 'America Party' After Split with Trump
6 jam lalu
Elon Musk stated that he has 'formed' his new political party named 'America Party.'
China Records $73.8 Billion Import to Indonesia, Up 16.51 Percent in 2024
9 jam lalu
China remains the largest importing country last year with a value of US$ 73.8 billion.
Ukraine Strikes Russian Electronic Weapons Facility as Putin and Trump Speak on Phone
10 jam lalu
Ukraine targets a Russian military facility in Cheboksary, a day after Russia launched its largest aerial attack on Ukraine since the invasion began.
Trump, Netanyahu to Discuss 60-Day Gaza Ceasefire in Washington
19 jam lalu
Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu are scheduled to meet in Washington on Monday, July 7, 2025. They will discuss a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza.
