U.S. President Donald Trump said on 16 July that Washington will “live by the letter” of the notice it sent Tokyo this month, meaning a 25% reciprocal tariff on Japanese imports is likely to take effect on 1 August. He signalled little expectation of a broader trade accord with Japan before the deadline, reiterating complaints that Tokyo has not opened its market sufficiently. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump added that negotiations with India are “very close” to conclusion and hinted at a forthcoming deal, days after announcing an agreement with Indonesia. He said letters detailing higher duties are also being prepared for dozens of smaller trading partners, while talks with the European Union and Canada remain unresolved. The Japan levy is part of the administration’s wider tariff framework that sets a baseline 10% duty on all countries, with steeper rates for what it deems the most problematic partners. The stance has unsettled global markets and prompted governments, particularly in Europe, to prepare counter-measures should U.S. duties rise on 1 August.