[Young journalist Oh Sihyun] U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs of 15% or 20% on most of America’s trading partners. He announced that starting August 1, there will be a 35% tariff on every product that originates from Canada.

President Trump told NBC in a phone interview that “Every other country will pay 15% or 20%. And we’re deciding on the rate right now.”

President Trump recently sent letters to major countries, including South Korea and Japan, detailing the tariff rates. His mention of "the rest of the countries" implicitly points to those nations that did not receive a tariff. 

The Trump administration delayed the implementation of reciprocal tariffs for 90 days on April 9. However, it still applied the standard tariff of 10% uniformly to all trading partners. The ‘15% or 20%’ mentioned by President Trump is slightly higher than the standard rate.

He stated, “Not everyone needs to receive a letter.” He added, “We’re simply setting our own tariffs.”

President Trump also said in the interview that Canada and the European Union (EU) would get official notices of the new tariff rates “today or tomorrow.” Shortly after, he shared the tariff sent to Canada on Truth Social.

In the letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, he announced that starting from August 1, all products exported from Canada to the United States would face a 35% tariff.

He wrote, “Instead of cooperating with the United States, Canada retaliated with its tariffs.” He added, “Beginning from August 1, 2025, all Canadian products exported to the United States will face a 35% tariff, in addition to any item-specific duties.” 

Previously, the Trump administration had imposed a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico due to their failure to address the trafficking of synthetic opioid fentanyl and the influx of illegal immigrants. However, exemptions have remained for goods that meet the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). 

A formal notice to the EU is also likely to come soon. In the interview, President Trump said, “We’re talking with the EU, many countries, and Canada. We’ll make an announcement in the next few hours.” 

On the 7th, President Trump sent letters outlining reciprocal tariff rates ranging from 25% to 40% to 14 countries, including South Korea (25%) and Japan. Two days later, on the 9th, additional letters went to seven more countries, including the Philippines and Brazil. All reciprocal tariffs are set to take effect on August 1.

President Trump dismissed concerns that the extra tariffs might harm the stock market or cause inflation. 

“I believe the tariff measures have been very well received,” he said. He added, “The stock market hit a record high today.”

▶원문 기사: 트럼프, "대부분 국가에 15~20% 관세 부과"…캐나다엔 35% 관세 서한 발송 (이코노미스트, 2025. 7.11) 
 

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