US President Donald Trump sent an official letter to Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani, in which he announced his country’s decision to impose 30% customs duties on all Iraqi products exported to the United States, starting next August 1, noting that the decision came as a result of what he described as an “unbalanced trade deficit” and “unfair Iraqi policies” towards the American economy. The message, which was followed by Al-Raya, carried a harsh and unusual tone in diplomatic discourse, as Trump indicated that the trade relationship between the two countries is “very far from the principle of reciprocity,” holding Iraq responsible for the trade deficit due to what he described as tariffs, non-tariff policies, and trade barriers imposed on American goods. The message stated: “We have had years of discussion about our trade relationship with Iraq, and we have concluded that we must move away from these long-standing policies, which have caused a trade deficit... We will therefore impose a 30% tariff on all Iraqi products sent to the United States.” Trump also warned that any attempt by Iraq to respond by increasing customs duties on American goods would be met with an additional increase in the imposed duties, stressing that the current 30% rate is much less than what should be imposed to address the trade gap, which he described as a “major threat” to the American economy and national security. Trump continued in concluding his message by saying: “If you want to open your closed markets to the United States and eliminate your tariffs, we will perhaps consider amending this message... You will never be disappointed with the United States of America.