US President Donald Trump announced Monday that 25% tariffs will be imposed on imports from Japan and South Korea starting August 1.

In letters posted on Truth Social and addressed to the leaders of both nations, Trump stated that the tariffs are designed to address trade imbalances and will be distinct from existing sector-specific tariffs. He warned that any retaliatory actions will be countered with equivalent US tariff increases, Xinhua reported.

Trump stated that companies from Japan or South Korea may avoid the tariffs by shifting manufacturing to the United States, offering expedited clearances for such moves.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that an executive order will extend the current pause on reciprocal tariffs until August 1. She added that similar notices would be sent to around a dozen other countries, according to Xinhua.