Trump Signs Tariff Letters for 12 Countries, To Be Sent on July 7

Washington (The Uttam Hindu): US President Donald Trump has signed letters related to imposing tariffs on exports from 12 countries, which are expected to be sent on Monday.

Talking to the media, the US President said that the names of the countries to which the letters will be sent will be disclosed on Monday. He said, "I have signed some letters. They will be sent on Monday, possibly 12 letters. Different amounts, different tariffs. It is better to send letters. Sending one letter is much easier."

Trump has also indicated that 'reciprocal tariffs' could be increased to up to 70 percent on some countries. This is expected to be implemented from August 1.

In April, the US President announced a base tariff of 10 percent on most goods coming into the country. Along with this, even higher rates were fixed for some countries, such as China. However, these increased tariffs were later postponed till July 9.

Washington has signed 'trade agreements' with two countries (the United Kingdom and Vietnam).

Meanwhile, India's high-level official delegation, led by chief negotiator Rajesh Agarwal, has returned from Washington without any final agreement. This agreement was to be reached on the sensitive issue of trade of agriculture and dairy products, which is being pressed by the US.

However, there is still a ray of hope. It is hoped that an interim bilateral trade agreement can be reached at the highest political level between the two countries before the July 9 deadline.

The Indian delegation was in Washington from June 26 to July 2 to negotiate an interim trade agreement with the US.

According to Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, India will not rush into signing a 'Free Trade Agreement' under the pressure of any deadline.

Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Minister Piyush Goyal stressed that India is ready to do trade deals in the national interest but it "never negotiates trade deals with deadlines."

The US is demanding a wider market for its agriculture and dairy products, which is a big challenge. For India, it is an issue of livelihood of the small farmers of the country, so it is considered a sensitive area.

India is trying to get relief from President Trump's 26 percent tariffs by reaching an interim agreement before July 9. It is also pushing for significant tariff concessions for its labour-intensive exports such as textiles, leather and footwear.

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