Contrary to President Trump, the evidence from trade data is that Japan is perennially a customer of American rice. In 2018, the country imported $298 million worth of rice from the US, and from January to April this year it bought an additional $114 million.
There is no public statement involving Japanese officials stating that they would halt these acquisitions. Trade negotiations are still underway, and Japan is in contact with the United States, though Trump’s comments are known, Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Tuesday.
He stopped short of commenting directly but made clear Japan wants “frank and candid” discussions with the US to bridge differences and secure a mutually acceptable deal.
Tariff Threats Hang Over Key Deadline
Trump’s remarks come amid an impending July 9 deadline for the expiration of his 90-day hold on “reciprocal” tariffs. Under the old system, Japanese exports carried at least a 24% tariff, which was reduced to a flat 10% during the pause. Trump now also indicates that he might be about to raise tariffs again, to a level of up to 25%, and that his attention is focused on Japanese automobile exports.
In a recent TV interview, Trump mused about sending letters to foreign governments detailing new tariff rates. Addressing Japan, he said, “Dear Mr. Japan, here’s the story: You’re going to pay a 25% tax on your cars.”
His post cited a report published in 2021 by the US Trade Representative that criticized Japan’s rice import scheme as inflexible and non-transparent, said a source close to Trump. It is a system that restricts access that is meaningful for U.S. rice exporters to Japanese consumers, the report said.
Talks Continue Despite Trump’s Post
White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett credited Trump’s latest words but said that negotiations with Japan remain ongoing. “Nothing’s done until it’s done,” Hassett told reporters, adding that talks could go on even after a framework is agreed upon.
Days before the tariff truce “expires,” the future of the U.S.-Japan trade relationship remains unclear. Whether Trump’s warnings mean new tariffs or a new agreement will depend on how the last-stage negotiations play out.
