Think rice can’t stir up an international storm? Think again. US President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened Japan with a 30–35% tariff, citing its reluctance to buy American rice. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “We’ve dealt with Japan. I’m not sure if we’re gonna make a deal, I doubt it, with Japan.” He added, “They and others are so spoiled from having ripped us off for 30, 40 years that it’s really hard for them to make a deal.” The comments come days before the end of the 90-day pause on reciprocal US tariffs.
The more I see, the more I believe that TRUMP is set on destroying USA and driving the WORLD to Brics !!
THE best MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE
Now he’s on for JAPAN !!!!
🤡 ‘Japan is VERY SPOILED’ – Trump unveils his new tariff diplomacy
💬 President Trump vented his frustration… pic.twitter.com/6aFIX1dbLL
— 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐙 🇷🇺 🇷🇺 (@SMO_VZ) July 1, 2025
Diplomacy Strained: QUAD Meet Coincides With Trade Threats
Trump’s remarks came as Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya visited Washington for a QUAD meeting with officials from Australia and India. Just days earlier, Japan’s chief trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa made his seventh trip to Washington to discuss trade. The timing of Trump’s threats during high-level diplomacy has added pressure on Japan, a close ally in East Asia. Japanese exports already face a 24% levy imposed on April 2 as part of the US global tariff offensive, which Trump paused temporarily for negotiations.
Ally Under Fire: Trump Questions Japan’s Trade Fairness
President Trump framed Japan as one of several countries that have “ripped off” the US for decades. “Some countries, we won’t even allow to trade,” he said. Trump’s proposed tariff targets fall under his larger “America First” trade agenda, which has seen tariffs slapped on steel, aluminum, and cars from US allies. Japan, despite being a key strategic and military ally, continues to face uncertainty on trade terms. Trump’s stance further complicates the U.S.-Japan economic relationship, which has historically been marked by mutual investments and market collaboration.
Deadline Looms: No Extension for Tariff Pause Says Trump
- Tariff Pause Deadline: President Trump confirmed that the current pause on tariffs, which expires on July 9, will not be extended.
- No Extension Planned: When asked directly, Trump stated, “I’m not thinking about a pause.”
- Last-Minute Talks: Japan and other trade partners are rushing to strike deals before the deadline to avoid new tariffs.
- Unilateral Moves Expected: Trump added, “We’re gonna determine a number,” suggesting more tariff decisions could come unilaterally.
- Diplomatic Pressure: Japan’s trade negotiators now face the challenge of balancing diplomatic efforts with strategic economic planning.
- Volatile Trade Environment: The situation remains fluid and highly unpredictable, impacting global trade dynamics.
Aishwarya is a journalism graduate with over three years of experience thriving in the buzzing corporate media world. She’s got a knack for decoding business news, tracking the twists and turns of the stock market, covering the masala of the entertainment world, and sometimes her stories come with just the right sprinkle of political commentary. She has worked with several organizations, interned at ZEE and gained professional skills at TV9 and News24, And now is learning and writing at NewsX, she’s no stranger to the newsroom hustle. Her storytelling style is fast-paced, creative, and perfectly tailored to connect with both the platform and its audience. Moto: Approaching every story from the reader’s point of view, backing up her insights with solid facts.
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