U.S. President Donald Trump has delayed the implementation of higher tariffs on U.S. imports, extending a pause that was set to expire this week. He also sent formal notices to 14 countries, including Japan and South Korea, outlining their new reciprocal tariff rates.

The White House had previously suspended plans to raise import duties by 25%, aiming to secure new trade agreements. Trump renewed the tariff threat in a fresh round of letters, stating the new levies will take effect on August 1.

The tariff hike was originally scheduled for July 9. Officials say the delay gives more time to negotiate bilateral deals and reassess the economic impact of the proposed measures.

"President Trump sent letters to many countries explaining that, starting August 1, they will be subject to new reciprocal tariff rates designed to make the terms of our bilateral trade relationships more reciprocal over time and to address the national emergency caused by the massive U.S. goods trade deficit," the White House said in a statement.

It added that in some instances, countries will be subject to a revised reciprocal tariff rate that is lower than the rate initially announced on April 2. For others, the reciprocal tariff rate may be higher than the previous rate.

The U.S. sent formal tariff notifications to 14 countries, confirming updated rates set to take effect on Aug. 1. Japan and South Korea will face a 25% levy, unchanged from previous levels. South Africa's rate was set at 30%, while Kazakhstan's tariff was reduced to 25% from 27%.

Laos will see its rate drop from 48% to 40%, Malaysia’s increase from 24% to 25%, and Myanmar’s decrease from 44% to 40%. Tunisia's rate was revised to 25% from 28%, Bosnia and Herzegovina's to 30% from 35%, and Cambodia’s to 36% from 49%.

Bangladesh and Serbia will each face a 35% tariff, down from 37%, while Indonesia and Thailand remain at 32% and 36%, respectively.

The adjustments reflect Washington's ongoing push for reciprocal trade terms under its new tariff framework.

Peter Sand, chief analyst at market intelligence firm Xeneta, previously cautioned that tariff decisions concerning Japan and South Korea would be among the most critical still to come.

Despite the uncertainty, Sand noted that shippers aren't rushing to divert goods. "They are not desperately moving cargo, for now, having shipped large quantities of inventory earlier," he said.

President Trump characterized the tariffs he introduced in April as "reciprocal," arguing they were necessary to counter what he views as unfair trade practices targeting U.S. exports.

Since then, the United States has reached tariff agreements with the United Kingdom and Vietnam, along with a partial accord with China. Each deal has resulted in higher tariffs than those in place before Trump's return to the White House.

U.S. officials say a deal with India is nearing completion, while negotiations with the European Union are ongoing.