Japan confirms in depth talks with US as tariff deadline looms

Japan is scrambling to head off steep new US tariffs, as last-ditch negotiations with President Donald Trump’s administration show few signs of progress. With a crucial tariff pause set to expire on July 9, Tokyo is warning of significant risks to its vital manufacturing sector if a deal cannot be reached.

According to Reuters, Japan’s chief tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa held “in-depth exchanges” over the phone with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Thursday and Saturday. The Japanese government said in a statement that it would “continue actively coordinating with the US side” in an effort to prevent the higher tariffs from taking effect.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, speaking on Wednesday, vowed to defend Japan’s national interests, noting that Japan is the largest foreign investor in the United States. As per Reuters, Ishiba’s comments reflect Tokyo’s growing frustration with what it sees as aggressive US demands and limited willingness to compromise.

Trump threatens even higher tariffs

President Trump has repeatedly threatened to increase tariffs far beyond the current 24 per cent level announced in April. This week, Trump criticised Japan for what he described as its reluctance to buy US-grown rice, accusing Tokyo of maintaining unfair barriers. Yet Reuters reports that Japan has in fact imported historically high volumes of US rice in recent months, as domestic prices have surged.

Despite those purchases, Trump has indicated he may bypass further negotiations altogether. According to Reuters, he suggested he could simply send Japan a letter outlining a new tariff rate of 30 or even 35 per cent. The White House declined to comment directly on the possibility of higher duties, referring only to Trump’s public statements. Reuters also noted that Trump said on Friday he had signed letters to 12 countries informing them of new tariff intentions, though he did not identify which nations would receive them.

Trending StoriesNorth Korea opened beach resort to boost economy, but no foreign tourists spotted. Is Kim’s plan failing?Israel, Hamas back to war? Hamas launches two rockets towards southern Israel, hours after agreeing to US proposed truce talksTop 10 international goal scorers in football: India’s Sunil Chhetri right behind Ronaldo and Messi ‘Silent move & silent watch’: Ukraine becomes first country to receive 20 new Rheinmetall Ermine vehicles – Why they’re so special? ‘It’s all fake’: Trump’s trade war just for show? White House insider claims tariff threats are ‘theatrical game’‘$170 billion, 700 miles border wall’: Trump declares US now ready for ‘largest mass deportation operation’ after signing mega billJapan Earthquake: Manga’s Doomsday Fails To Materialize | Science Triumphs Over Superstition Expert warns of civil war and a split in US by 2035. THIS state will be first to break away‘To give you back your freedom’: Elon Musk launches ‘America Party’ after rift with Trump – Is this the end of US two-party system?‘No signal, no antennas’: How did Indian astronaut communicate with Earth from space?‘That’s not happening’: Elon Musk just launched a new political party, but he can never be US president – Here’s whyRyo Tatsuki prophecy: Clues that prove Japan megaquake won’t happen. But, next 30 years remain a riskElon Musk’s ‘America Party’: Trump’s ex-ally reveals devious plan to hijack Congress without running for president | ExplainedJapan volcano eruption alert: Is Mount Fuji next? Understanding its history, science and recent eruptionsLength of a man’s fingers can reveal his sex drive. Shorter index finger means…List of prophecies by Ryo Tatsuki, Japan’s Baba Vanga: A famous death, a virus and moreUS Air Force scraps project with Elon Musk’s SpaceX over ‘bird nests’‘We’re not buying them’: Why Pakistan is denying purchase of China’s J-35 jetsMount Shinmoedake erupts in Japan just as Ryo Tatsuki’s ‘mega disaster’ warning looms

Japan’s auto industry on the line

Japan’s top priority in these negotiations remains securing an exemption for its automotive sector. As per Reuters, Japanese automakers are already facing a 10 per cent tariff on most exports to the US. On top of that, Washington has threatened an industry-specific tariff of 25 per cent on imported vehicles, a move that would hit Japan’s manufacturers particularly hard.

After nearly three months of negotiations without a breakthrough, Tokyo’s options are narrowing. Japan is one of America’s most important trading partners, and its carmakers are major employers in the US. Yet Reuters reports that Trump has so far shown little inclination to compromise, casting doubt on whether Japan can avoid higher tariffs. Prime Minister Ishiba said his government remained determined to find a solution, but acknowledged the difficulties, stressing the need to protect key national interests even as talks drag on.

An uncertain outlook

With the July 9 deadline fast approaching, the risk of escalation is real. As Reuters reports, Trump has questioned whether a deal is even possible and has publicly floated higher tariff rates. For Japan, failure to secure an agreement could have damaging economic consequences, especially for its automakers and exporters.

Beyond the economic impact, the standoff also threatens to strain the broader US-Japan alliance. As the two sides edge closer to a potential trade war, Japan’s negotiators are under intense pressure to avert a damaging outcome while managing an increasingly unpredictable White House.

(With inputs from the agencies)