US President warns of steep tariffs on Japanese imports if no deal is reached by July 9
Rising Trade Tensions as Negotiation Window Closes
President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Japan, threatening to impose tariffs of “30% or 35%” on imports if a trade agreement is not finalized before the July 9 deadline. The announcement has reignited global concerns over escalating trade conflicts between major economies.
The current 90-day negotiation window—part of Trump’s sweeping tariff initiative launched on April 2—is due to expire next week. Most US allies, including Japan, were temporarily spared from higher levies as talks continued.
“We’ve dealt with Japan. I’m not sure we’re going to make a deal. I doubt it,” Trump said aboard Air Force One on Tuesday.
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Japan Pushes Back as Agricultural Concerns Dominate
Japanese officials offered no formal response to Trump’s threat during Wednesday’s press briefing. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kazuhiko Aoki declined to comment, emphasizing Tokyo’s reluctance to engage in speculative discussions.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi reaffirmed Japan’s priorities, stating:
“We will not make concessions that hurt our farmers just to reach an agreement.”
Trump has specifically targeted Japanese rice imports, claiming on his social platform that Japan refuses to buy American rice despite facing a shortage:
“They won’t take our RICE, and yet they have a massive rice shortage,” he wrote.
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Trump threatens Japan with tariff up to 35% as deadline looms
Tariffs Already in Effect
Currently, most Japanese exports face a 10% US import tariff, with automobiles and parts subjected to a 25% tax. Steel and aluminum imports are taxed at a steep 50%.
If no agreement is reached, the tariffs could surge to 35%, dealing a major blow to Japan’s export-dependent economy.
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Trump threatens Japan with tariff up to 35% as deadline looms
Trade Deal Uncertainty Persists
Trump initially claimed he would secure 90 trade agreements during the tariff pause. To date, only the UK has successfully finalized a deal with Washington.
With the deadline looming, the possibility of renewed economic strain between the US and Japan remains high.
Visual Suggestions
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Infographic: Timeline of Trump’s tariff rollout
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Chart: Top Japanese exports affected by tariffs
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Image: Air Force One press briefing or Japan’s government spokesperson at podium
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