Japan, South Korea face 25% tariffs as Trump ramps up trade war in letters to leaders

Fourteen countries, including smaller US exporters like Serbia, Thailand, and Tunisia, have sent letters hinting at further talks while warning that any reprisals would be met with equal response.

US President Donald Trump on Monday began telling trade partners - from powerhouse suppliers like Japan and South Korea to minor players - that sharply higher US tariffs will start August 1, marking a new phase in the trade war he launched earlier this year.