President Donald Trump is warning of steeper tariffs on Japanese goods, accusing Tokyo of refusing to purchase American rice despite an apparent domestic shortage.
“They won’t take our RICE, and yet they have a massive rice shortage,” Trump posted Sunday on Truth Social. “We love having them as a Trading Partner, but they’ll be getting a letter.”
His remarks follow weeks of trade tension, with a July 9 deadline looming on his 90-day pause of “reciprocal” tariffs targeting multiple U.S. trading partners. In a recent Fox News interview, Trump singled out Japan and previewed the message: “Dear Mr. Japan… You’re going to pay a 25% tariff on your cars.”
Trade data contradicts Trump’s claim. U.S. Census Bureau figures show Japan imported $298 million worth of American rice in 2023 and $114 million more between January and April this year. However, Tokyo has long maintained a tightly controlled rice import system, which critics say limits real access for foreign producers.
A 2021 report from the U.S. Trade Representative under then-President Biden cited Japan’s “highly regulated and nontransparent” rice import policies as a barrier for American sellers.
White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Monday that negotiations with Japanese officials remain active.
“Nothing is over,” Hassett told reporters. “There’ll still be discussions right up till the end.”
It remains unclear whether Japan intends to reduce its purchases of American rice, and Japanese officials have yet to respond publicly to Trump’s latest comments. For now, Japanese exports continue under a reduced 10% tariff, down from the 24% rate briefly imposed before the April pause.
Related Readings:
