By Jeff Mason, Bart H. Meijer and David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON/BRUSSELS (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump opened a new phase on Monday in the trade war he launched this year, telling partners, from powerhouse suppliers such as Japan and South Korea to minor players,

With 25% tariffs on Japan and South Korea, US President Donald Trump has continued to punish allies and reward traditional adversaries like Russia and North Korea that face zero tariffs. Such a behaviour the purported US pivot to the Indo-Pacific and risk alienating traditional allies.

President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he is levying tariffs against South Korea and Japan beginning in August. Trump