Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Japan, stating that if a trade agreement is not finalized by July 9, 2025, his administration will impose tariffs ranging from 30% to 35% on Japanese imports. The threat comes just days before the expiration of a 90-day negotiation window, during which earlier-announced tariffs had been temporarily reduced.
Earlier this year, Trump introduced a 24% tariff on Japanese goods under his “Liberation Day” measures, later reducing it to 10% as a gesture of goodwill to support ongoing negotiations. However, with talks stalled and no breakthrough in sight, Trump expressed skepticism about reaching a deal, saying, “I doubt it,” and reaffirming his readiness to escalate trade pressure.
Central to the dispute are longstanding tensions over automotive trade and agricultural imports. Trump has criticized Japan for maintaining restrictions on American rice, despite a domestic shortage, and accused Tokyo of being unwilling to open its markets. Japan’s substantial car exports to the U.
S. have also remained a sticking point.
The Japanese government has responded cautiously. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kazuhiko Aoki said Japan would not respond to every comment made by Trump but emphasized that talks would continue in a sincere and faithful manner. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reinforced the government’s position, stressing the importance of protecting national interests, particularly in agriculture and the auto sector.
As the July 9 deadline nears, the possibility of steep tariffs looms large, raising concerns about renewed economic tensions between two of the world’s largest economies.
A breakdown in talks could have ripple effects on global trade and financial markets, with both governments under pressure to find common ground.
