NEW YORK, 2025-07-06 06:31:00
Trade Tensions Rise
Japan stands firm against potential U.S. tariffs.
- Japan is pushing back against possible U.S. tariffs.
- Prime Minister Ishiba says Japan won’t easily compromise in negotiations.
- The U.S. wants Japan to accept more American cars and rice.
- Japan argues it should be treated differently as a major U.S. investor.
Imagine two seasoned diplomats locked in a high-stakes poker game. That’s the vibe as Japan and the United States face off over trade. **Will Japan cave to U.S. pressure regarding tariffs?** The answer is a resounding no, according to Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba who stated Sunday that Japan won’t “easily compromise” in talks with Washington.
Deadline Looms
Ishiba’s tough stance comes as Tokyo scrambles to negotiate with the U.S. before the Wednesday deadline for trade deals.
“We will not easily compromise. That’s why it is taking time and why it is tough,” Ishiba said on a television talk show.
The Trump Factor
Back in April, a sweeping 10 percent tariff on imports from most trading partners was imposed. Higher rates on economies including Japan were unveiled by then-President Trump, but paused to allow negotiations.
This pause is set to expire July 9, meaning those higher rates could kick in if no agreement is reached.
Trump had previously mentioned sending a letter to Japan, suggesting they “pay a 30 percent, 35 percent or whatever the number is that we determine,” and labeled the trade relationship as “unfair.”
The pressure is on for Japan to open its doors wider to U.S. automobiles and rice.
Behind-the-Scenes Diplomacy
Ryosei Akazawa, Tokyo’s trade envoy, has been working the phones, speaking with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Thursday and Saturday.
Japan’s Position
During his Sunday television appearance, Ishiba emphasized that Japan, as a significant investor in the U.S. economy, deserves special consideration.
“We are allies, but we have to say what we have to say. We are the world’s largest investor nation and the largest job creator (in the US). We are different,” Ishiba stated.
Preparing for All Outcomes
Asked on another Sunday television show about Trump’s letter and potential responses, Ishiba said Japan was “preparing to deal with all kinds of situations”.
