Trump said the Asian country does not accept American rice; Japan authorities seek agreement to benefit both parties
The United States president, (Republican Party), threatened to apply 25% rates on Japanese cars exported to the United States. In a publication on his profile at Truth Social on Monday (30.jun.2025), he said that Japan does not buy US rice, despite facing the scarcity of the product.
“They will not accept our rice, and yet they have a huge scarcity of rice. In other words, we will only send them a letter, and we love to have them as a commercial partner for many years.”wrote Trump. “Dear Mr. Japan, here’s the story: you’ll pay a 25% rate on your cars”added the president.
The statement was a few days after the end of the 90 -day break in reciprocal tariffs on July 9.
However, according to data from United States Census Bureau, the Asian country bought $ 298 million in US rice in 2024. From January to April 2025, Japanese US rice acquisitions totaled $ 114 million.
Prior to the implementation of the tariff break, Japanese exports to the US were subject to a minimum rate of 24%. After the measure comes into force, this tariff was reduced to 10%, applied universal rate value.
“Although we refrained from spreading the details of our discussions with the United States, Japan will continue to seek sincere and honest discussions to achieve an agreement that benefits both Japan and the United States.”said Japanese chief secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi.
In an interview with Fox News Transmitted on Sunday (29.Jun), Trump had already mentioned Japan as one of the countries that would receive announcements about possible new tariffs.
