Japan Reacts to Trump Tariff Threat
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A senior Japanese official sidestepped U.S. President Donald Trump's warning that higher tariffs were coming for Tokyo because he did not see a trade deal happening, despite ongoing talks between the two countries.
Trump said talks were stuck due to a Japanese refusal to accept U.S. rice imports in exchange for selling millions of cars into the American market, which the president called an "easy" demand for Tokyo to accept, Reuters reported.
He said Japan could face a tariff of 30 to 35 percent if no deal is made, higher than the 24 percent reciprocal tariff Trump had originally imposed, and then paused, in early April. The tariff pause ends on July 9.
"We are aware of President Trump's remarks, but we would like to refrain from commenting on every statement made by U.S. government officials," Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kazuhiko Aoki said at a press briefing on Wednesday, July 2.
"Having said that, I would like to mention that Japan and the United States are continuing sincere and earnest consultations vigorously, and during Minister Akazawa's recent visit to the United States, it was agreed to continue vigorous consultations between Japan and the United States.
"Japan intends to continue sincere and earnest discussions vigorously toward realizing an agreement that benefits both Japan and the United States."
Ryosei Akazawa is Japan's economic revitalization minister and has been leading the trade talks with the U.S. on behalf of Tokyo, regularly visiting Washington.
This is a developing article. Updates to follow.
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