Tariff Twists & Turns: Trump announces steep tariffs on 14 countries starting Aug. 1

Trade Policy & International Relations - President Trump scheduled a meeting with his cabinet after sending letters to 14 countries announcing new trade tariffs effective August 1st [1] - China threatened to retaliate if trade deals with other countries sideline it [2] - The White House aims to negotiate trade deals or frameworks with about a dozen major economies [4] - The president is setting tariff rates unilaterally by letter, a power that is already being challenged in courts [4] - The August 1st deadline for new trade tariffs is not 100% firm, leaving room for negotiation [6][12] Tariff Rates & Calculation - The list of countries receiving tariff letters includes major trading partners like South Korea and Japan, as well as smaller countries like Laos [8] - Some tariff rates published in the letters differ from those initially presented in April; for example, Laos' tariff rate was stated as 40% in the letter, compared to 48% previously [9] - The tariff rates are calculated based on closing the trade deficit with these countries, not necessarily on reciprocal trade practices [11] - The calculation of these numbers is not reciprocal and seems arbitrary [10][12] Market Reaction & Analysis - UBS suggests analyzing every Trump social media post is a wasted effort [13] - The Dow Jones was down about a quarter of a percent, indicating markets are watching and waiting [13] - Uncertainty around the trade war and tariffs is expected to continue [7]