By Jeff Mason and Leika Kihara WASHINGTON/TOKYO (Reuters) -Powerhouse Asian economies Japan and South Korea said on Tuesday they would try to negotiate with the U.S. to soften the impact of sharply higher tariffs that President Donald Trump now plans to impose from the start of August.

President Donald Trump on July 7 threatened to impose 25 percent tariffs on Japan and South Korea, and levies as high as 40 percent on 12 other countries, if they did not reach a deal by August 1.

Trump imposes tariffs up to 40% on 14 countries, pressuring allies to shift production to the US and avoid ties with BRICS. Tensions mount globally.

President Donald Trump has sent letters to 14 countries outlining higher tariffs they’ll face if they don’t make trade deals with the U.S. by Aug. 1

Financial markets ignore the lack of clarity from the Trump administration over tariffs, though corporate America feels frustrated at the lack of direction. Mohamed El-Erian – Chief Economic Adviser at Allianz – explains what happens next.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called the announcement of slightly higher US tariffs “truly regrettable” while he vowed to continue to protect his nation’s interests in the extended trade negotiations.

Japan's trade deal with the U.S. must include tariff concessions for its vital automobile industry, top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa said on Tuesday, after President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on goods from Japan starting August 1.