Trump’s Trade Strategy Enters High Gear Ahead of Aug. 1 Tariff Deadline

‘These tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your country,’ the president said in letters to world leaders.

Shipping containers are stacked on a container ship at the Port of Los Angeles on June 25, 2025. Mario Tama/Getty Images

President Donald Trump’s trade agenda kicked into high gear this week ahead of the widely anticipated Aug. 1 deadline for imposing reciprocal tariffs.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on July 11, the president said the United States’ “friends have been worse than the foes” on trade.