The Economic Times reports Trump signs ‘take it or leave it’ tariff letters for 12 countries.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to New Jersey, Trump declined to identify the countries receiving the letters, saying their names would be revealed on Monday.

“I signed some letters and they’ll go out on Monday, probably twelve,” he told reporters. “Different amounts of money, different amounts of tariffs.”

The plan marks a shift from earlier this week, when Trump had indicated that the first batch of letters would be sent on Friday — a national holiday — though the timing has now been revised.

Trump on Friday suggested the tariffs could go even higher, potentially reaching 70% for some countries, with most new rates expected to take effect from August 1.

The White House initially aimed to negotiate customized tariff deals with several nations, but frustrations over stalled talks with key players like Japan and the European Union appear to have prompted a change in approach.

“The letters are better … much easier to send a letter,” Trump said, indicating a preference for direct, unilateral communication over protracted negotiation rounds.

So far, Washington has concluded agreements with just two countries. The United Kingdom secured a deal in May to maintain the 10% base rate and obtained preferential treatment in sectors like automotive and aircraft engines. Vietnam also reached a deal, agreeing to a reduced tariff of 20%, down from a proposed 46%, and allowing duty-free entry for many U.S. goods.

We have no real deals, only a framework for a deal with only two countries.

So much for 90 deals in 90 days.

This is despite repeated statements by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that many good offers were coming in.

I look forward to the appeals court throwing these deals in the ashcan where they belong.

For discussion of the pending appeals court ruling please see The Trade Court Unanimously Strikes Down Trump’s Global Tariffs, Here’s Why

The court cited nondelegation doctrine, the major questions doctrine, narrow authority, flaws in trafficking tariffs, and “unusual and extraordinary” condition imposed by the IEEPA itself.

My follow-up post was Trump Gets a Meaningless Stay on Tariff Ruling, What Are His Options?

The en banc court (full appeals court) has final arguments on July 31. Normally cases are 3 of 11 justices deciding.

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