US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has signed around 12 trade letters, which are set to be dispatched on Monday ahead of a looming tariff deadline.
“Probably 12,” Trump remarked to reporters aboard Air Force One, adding that the recipient countries would be revealed the same day.
This move comes as higher tariffs, ranging from 10% to 70%, are poised to hit dozens of economies, including the European Union and Taiwan, just days from now.
In April, Trump had introduced a blanket 10% tariff on imports from almost all trade partners, with plans to significantly increase these rates for select countries. However, he paused the hikes until July 9 to allow trade talks to take place.
With the deadline less than a week away, Pakistan and the United States have just wrapped up a critical round of negotiations aimed at avoiding a 29% tariff on Pakistani exports, especially textiles and agricultural goods. Led by Commerce Secretary Jawad Paal, the Pakistani team sought a long-term reciprocal tariff agreement.
If finalized, the deal could see Pakistan importing more US goods like crude oil and attract American investments in sectors such as mining, energy, and infrastructure with strategic projects like the Reko Diq copper-gold mine and related power projects discussed. There’s also potential for greater collaboration through the US Export-Import Bank.
Other countries have been racing to secure similar arrangements. The Trump administration has already reached deals with the United Kingdom and Vietnam, and even struck a temporary easing of tariffs with China.
Explaining his strategy, Trump said notifying countries by letter is far simpler than holding multiple rounds of talks. “It’s much easier to send a letter saying: ‘Here’s what you have to pay if you want to trade with the United States,’” he added, noting that recent deals with the UK and China were beneficial for both sides.
