Overview

• President Donald Trump said he will not extend the July 9 pause on reciprocal tariffs and will send letters imposing preset rates on countries including Japan.
• He warned that Japanese car exports could face tariffs of 25% to 35% and threatened punitive rice duties despite data showing Japan imported $114 million of US rice from January through April and 7,894 tons in May.
• Japan’s Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kazuhiko Aoki declined to comment on the tariff threats and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to “sincere and faithful” bilateral negotiations.
• Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced new measures to incentivize farmers to expand rice production and secure domestic supply ahead of trade talks.
• With one week remaining until the tariff reprieve expires, both sides face mounting pressure as Tokyo balances agricultural protections with US demands for market access.