Former U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose higher tariffs on Japanese exports to the United States, claiming that Japan refuses to buy American rice. In a post on Truth Social, Trump alleged that Japan faces a major rice shortage yet continues to reject U.S. rice.
“They won’t accept our rice, even though they have a major rice shortage. We’ll be sending them a letter – and we’ve wanted them as a trade partner for years,” Trump wrote.
However, according to CNN, trade data contradicts Trump’s claim. Japan purchased $298 million worth of American rice in the past year, and in just the first four months of this year alone, it has imported $114 million worth of U.S. rice.
While Japanese officials have not responded directly to Trump’s accusations, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that trade talks are ongoing, and that Japan is aiming for a mutually fair agreement.
Trump went further in a recent Fox News interview, warning:
“Dear Japan, you’re going to pay a 25% tariff on cars.”
Amid these rising trade tensions, Trump is expected to reinstate reciprocal tariffs on July 9, following a 90-day pause. Currently, Japan faces a universal tariff of 10%, but it previously dealt with a higher 24% rate.
The White House has confirmed that U.S.-Japan trade negotiations are continuing and has not ruled out the possibility of reaching a deal before the deadline.
