Overview

• Reciprocal tariffs on Japanese cars and other goods remain paused until July 9 with no agreement reached after nearly three months of talks.
• A June 27 tender for 30,000 tonnes of tariff-free staple rice attracted bids for 81,853 tonnes, and Finance Ministry figures show U.S. rice comprised roughly three-quarters of 10,600 tonnes of tariffed imports in May.
• Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa reaffirmed that Japan will not sacrifice its farm sector as part of any tariff deal.
• Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba unveiled a new rice policy to boost domestic production and guarantee farmers’ incomes.
• President Trump threatened to send unilateral tariff letters if Japan does not increase U.S. rice purchases and secure an agreement by July 9.