Trump’s Tariff Push Escalates: Copper, Pharma

Trump announces the United States will impose a 50% tariff on copper imports and may apply up to 200% on pharmaceuticals. In addition, the country is expected to impose more tariffs on trade partners starting Aug. 1 if agreements are not reached within 72 hours.

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Trump Proposes New Tariffs on Copper, Pharmaceutical Imports

US President Donald Trump has revealed intentions to impose a 50% tariff on copper imports and signaled that pharmaceutical products could soon face duties as high as 200%. “Today we are focusing on copper,” Trump stated during a cabinet meeting, adding that Washington will soon announce measures regarding pharmaceutical imports.

Only UK, Vietnam Secure Deals as Aug. 1 Tariffs Approach

The United States will begin imposing tariffs on Aug. 1 against trade partners that have not finalized agreements with Washington, including Taiwan and the European Union, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The government plans to send formal notices urging countries to reach an agreement by Wednesday to avoid facing additional tariffs.

Trump Threatens BRICS With Tariffs After Bloc Slams US Policies

Donald Trump has threatened to impose an additional 10% tariff on any country that aligns with BRICS, following indirect criticism from the bloc over trade protectionism and recent US military strikes in Iran.

Trump Threatens Japan With Tariffs Over US Rice Exports

US President Donald Trump is threatening to increase tariffs on Japanese exports, claiming that Japan refuses to purchase US-grown rice despite experiencing a rice shortage. In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticizes Japan's rice import practices and hints at sending official tariff notifications to trading partners, including Japan.

Beijing Targets EU Goods in Response to Trade Measures

China’s Ministry of Finance has announced new restrictions on the public procurement of medical products from the European Union valued above ¥45 million (US$6.3 million), in response to trade measures imposed by Brussels last month. The restrictions took effect immediately.

Congress Approves 25 Laws Ahead of Regular Session

Between June 23 and July 2, 2025, Mexico’s Congress approved 14 reforms modifying 25 laws during an extraordinary legislative session. Driven by MORENA and its allied parties, the session included weekend voting, underscoring the urgency to align secondary legislation with the constitutional amendments promoted by López Obrador in 2024. Key reforms addressed telecommunications, public safety, digital governance, and women’s rights.