Donald Trump Pushes Global Trade War Back to the Top of His Agenda

Trump Sent Letters to Several Nations Outlining Tariff Rates They Would Pay If They Didn't Strike Trade Deals With US

- Gavin Bade & Brian Schwartz

President Trump reignited his global trade war Monday, renewing his threat to hit partners with punishing tariffs even as he announced a three-week extension to negotiate deals.

Trump signed an executive order extending the date when his so-called reciprocal tariffs would take effect, with a pause previously scheduled to expire at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. Additionally, Trump sent letters to a handful of nations outlining tariff rates they would pay if they didn't strike trade deals with the U.S. by Aug. 1.

"If you want to play ball, you have to... This is what you have to pay," Trump said during a Monday night meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "As far as I'm concerned, we're done...we're sending out letters to various countries telling them how much tariffs they have to pay."

The administration is close to reaching a deal with India, Trump added. Other officials have said more deals could be announced in the coming days.

"The administration—the president and his trade team—want to cut the best deals for the American people and the American worker," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, adding that the delay in the deadline is in the "best interest" of the country.

"Please understand that these Tariffs are necessary to correct the many years of Japan's Tariff, and Non Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, causing these unsustainable Trade Deficits against the United States," Trump wrote in his letter addressed to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. "This Deficit is a major threat to our country. Economy and, indeed, our National Security!"