US President Donald Trump sent a letter to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. informing the latter that he is imposing a higher tariff rate of 20% on Philippine goods imported to America despite earlier negotiations to lower the initially announced duty of 17% in April.

In a post on Truth Social, President Trump said these tariffs on the Philippines will kick in from August 1 and will cover all goods imported from the country.

It shows that personal grudges rather than simple economics are a driving force in the U.S. leader’s use of tariffs.

President Donald Trump sent out a slew of letters Wednesday to some global trading partners, advising them of tariff levels as high as 50% for their exports to the United States.

After U.S. President Donald Trump slapped a 20% tariff on Philippine goods, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s’ special assistant for economic affairs Frederick Go said that while the Philippines is concerned,

It is a Great Honor for me to send you this letter in that it demonstrates the strength and commitment of our Trading Relationship,” Trump began each of the letters.

On his Truth Social media platform, US President Donald Trump issues August 1 tariff notices to seven minor trading partners, including the Philippines

The Philippine government was taken aback by US President Donald Trump’s decision to slap a higher 20% tariff rate on the country’s goods exported to America despite earlier efforts to haggle for lower duties for products imported from Manila.

Sweeping tariffs set to be imposed by President Donald Trump next month may cast a pall over his top diplomat's first official trip to Asia.