President Donald Trump has announced that the US will be unilaterally imposing new tariff rates on some trading partners by sending letters outlining the changes. Trump highlighted the challenge of negotiating deals with numerous countries simultaneously, stating that it is impossible to meet the demands of all interested parties. The president, speaking during his Gulf tour, emphasized the overwhelming number of countries seeking trade deals with the US.

The administration, represented by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, will be informing trading partners about the tariffs that will apply to their goods exported to the US market through these letters. Trump emphasized that the process would be fair and transparent.

Despite facing difficulties in managing the task of imposing tariffs on all trading partners, the US has adjusted some measures following market reactions. This includes pausing reciprocal tariff rates with various partners, negotiating trade agreements with countries like the UK, and reaching a temporary truce with China.

Trump’s recent remarks signal a shift towards prioritizing negotiations with major trading partners such as India, South Korea, and Japan, with ongoing talks with the EU. The president’s statements suggest a strategy of setting terms rather than engaging in simultaneous negotiations with all countries, reflecting the administration’s focus on trade policy.