In a major development in global trade negotiations, US President Donald Trump revealed that the United States is “close to making a deal with India”, even as he unveiled a sweeping round of new tariffs targeting 14 countries. The move is part of Trump’s push to address the US trade deficit and assert economic leverage ahead of the 2025 election cycle.
“We are close to making a deal with India,” Trump said during a private dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, noting progress with several trade partners. “We’ve made a deal with the United Kingdom. We’ve made a deal with China.”
While specific details regarding the US-India deal remain undisclosed, Trump hinted at flexibility for nations that raise legitimate concerns, stating, “Some will maybe adjust a little bit depending if they have a cause. We’re not going to be unfair about it.”
Countries Ignoring US Trade Terms to Face Steep Tariffs Starting August 1
As negotiations continue, Trump made it clear that countries unwilling to engage constructively will face consequences.
ALSO READ:Trump’s threat: Extra 10% tariff on countries supporting ‘Anti-American’ BRICS policies
“Others we met with, and we don’t think we’re going to be able to make a deal, so we just send them a letter,” he said. “We’re sending out letters to various countries telling them how much tariffs they have to pay.”
The new tariff measures, which take effect August 1, target imports from Japan, South Korea, Myanmar, Laos, South Africa, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Tunisia, Indonesia, Bosnia, Bangladesh, Serbia, Cambodia, and Thailand.
According to letters posted on Trump’s Truth Social, the tariff breakdown includes:
- 25% on Japan, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and Tunisia
- 30% on South Africa and Bosnia and Herzegovina
- 32% on Indonesia
- 35% on Bangladesh and Serbia
- 36% on Cambodia and Thailand
- 40% on Myanmar and Laos
Trump Warns BRICS-Aligned Nations of Additional Tariffs
Trump has also warned of additional penalties for countries supporting what he called the “anti-American policies” of the BRICS alliance, which includes India. In a separate post, he said:
“Any country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy.”
Despite this warning, Trump’s comment that a deal with India is imminent signals a possible shift in tone or a parallel negotiation path.
