AsianFin -- U.S. President Donald Trump said the government will begin publishing letters or agreements outlining tariff rates for trade partners starting at noon on July 7, potentially paving the way for steep import duties.

In a post on social media on Saturday, Trump reiterated plans to impose tariffs as high as 70% on certain imports from select countries beginning August 1. The move marks another escalation in his aggressive trade stance as he campaigns to return to the White House in the November election.