The US is postponing the introduction of its planned new punitive tariffs until August 1. As the White House announced on Monday, President Donald Trump will sign a corresponding executive order shortly.

The measures were originally supposed to take effect on July 9. Trump postponed this date several times after his initial announcement in April.

According to information from the President's Office, approximately twelve countries will initially receive official customs letters, which will be published via the short message service Truth Social, founded by Trump. The US President has already shared similar letters with the governments of Japan and South Korea.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to say which countries would still receive the customs letters.

According to Reuters, the EU will not initially receive an announcement of higher tariffs from the US. The fact that the EU is exempt is also supported by the fact that Leavitt spoke of twelve"countries," although the EU is likely not meant.

Leavitt also said the Trump administration will send additional letters to other countries"in the coming days" setting their tariff rates starting August 1. This is in addition to the initial batch of about 12 letters.