**Trump Announces Imminent Increase in Tariffs Amid Slow Trade Negotiations**

President Donald Trump has made it clear that the trade war is far from over, with a new round of tariffs set to be implemented soon. During his visit to the Middle East, Trump acknowledged that ongoing trade negotiations are progressing too slowly to finalize deals with every country eager to reach an agreement with the United States. Consequently, Trump stated that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will notify America's trading partners of their new tariffs within the next few weeks.

During a business roundtable in Abu Dhabi on Friday, Trump expressed frustration with the slow pace of negotiations. "We have 150 countries that want to make a deal, but it’s not feasible to meet with all of them," Trump said. "So, in the next two to three weeks, Scott and Howard will send letters out detailing the new tariffs. We will be fair, but these countries need to know what they’ll be paying to do business in the United States."

On April 9, Trump temporarily paused his substantial reciprocal tariffs, initially introduced on April 2. This 90-day reprieve was meant to facilitate negotiations, but Trump's officials have revealed that around 100 countries have expressed their willingness to negotiate, presenting an enormous task for U.S. trade negotiators.

In the absence of new deals, Trump may impose reciprocal tariffs, some of which could be as high as 50%. These tariffs are not necessarily reciprocal in nature and might result in disproportionate burdens for smaller countries with significant trade imbalances with the U.S. "These countries could appeal, but we will be fair. However, seeing all the interested parties is not viable," Trump added.

Previously, Trump had hinted at a similar approach but on a different timeline. On April 23, he mentioned in the Oval Office that his administration would determine the tariffs for countries failing to negotiate new terms promptly.

So far, the Trump administration has announced two significant frameworks resulting in lower tariffs or trade barriers: the first with the United Kingdom and the second with China. Trump’s negotiators are also engaged in active discussions with a dozen other countries, with potential agreements close with India, Japan, and South Korea, though a government transition in South Korea could delay finalizations.

Uncertainty surrounds the new tariffs Trump will set for countries unable to secure a deal in the upcoming weeks, and it remains unclear whether these will replace the paused reciprocal tariffs or act as interim measures. Currently, the U.S. maintains a 10% universal tariff on most imports, with higher rates for specific products.

Trump has suggested that the 10% tariff is not a baseline and that most countries could face higher tariffs. After establishing the framework with the UK, Trump mentioned that other countries might not receive as favorable terms. At present, the U.S. has an average tariff rate of 13% on imported goods, which could escalate significantly if no deals are made.

Trump's fluctuating tariff policies have contributed to significant uncertainty for businesses and consumers, leading to market volatility. Despite assertions of multiple deals in progress, actual trade agreements are complex, time-consuming endeavors that also involve political considerations.

Trump's recent concession that it is unrealistic to finalize numerous deals in a short period underscores the challenges of using tariff threats for rapid concessions from trade partners. Meanwhile, Americans may face higher costs for goods not manufactured domestically.