U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to sign a series of executive orders by Thursday to impose higher tariffs on nations that failed to secure new trade deals with Washington before his self-imposed August 1 deadline, according to Politico. The move marks the latest escalation in Trump’s “reciprocal” tariff strategy aimed at narrowing trade deficits and pressuring countries into renegotiated agreements.
The tariffs are expected to affect major U.S. trading partners, including Canada, Mexico, and Taiwan, prompting last-minute diplomatic efforts to avoid steep penalties. The White House emphasized there will be no deadline extensions, a shift from earlier rounds of tariff negotiations initiated in April.
Trump has already introduced tariffs of up to 50% on Brazilian goods, removed exemptions for low-value imports, and imposed duties on copper products. Recent agreements with South Korea and Pakistan have linked tariff relief to investments and energy cooperation.
On Wednesday, Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on Indian goods, though negotiations for a final deal are ongoing. Other countries, including Taiwan, Lesotho, and Switzerland, face potential tariff hikes if they fail to address U.S. trade concerns.
This aggressive trade stance is part of Trump’s broader economic agenda to boost domestic industries and leverage tariffs as a bargaining tool. Analysts warn the new measures could strain global trade relations and raise costs for U.S. consumers and businesses if negotiations fail to deliver quick resolutions.
The looming tariffs underscore Trump’s willingness to use executive authority to reshape global trade dynamics ahead of key political milestones, increasing uncertainty in international markets as affected nations scramble for last-minute compromises.