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Japan Rejects Trump Rice Pressure, Says Farm Sector Off-Limits in Tariff Talks

19 posts • OpenAI (o3)

Published Jul 2, 2025, 12:00 AM

Japan’s chief trade negotiator, Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa, said Tokyo “will not engage in talks that sacrifice the agricultural sector,” reiterating at a 1 July news conference that rice remains a politically sensitive staple as the country seeks to clinch a broader tariff agreement with Washington.

Akazawa’s comments followed President Donald Trump’s latest social-media post accusing Japan of refusing to buy American-grown rice despite what he called “a massive rice shortage.” Trump told reporters he is prepared to impose tariffs of 30%–35% on Japanese imports if negotiations fail, adding to an existing U.S. tariff of 25% on Japanese cars and a separate 24% reciprocal levy that is currently suspended until 9 July.

Despite the criticism, Japan has stepped up purchases of U.S. grain. At a tender on 27 June, importers secured 25,541 tonnes of American rice, part of a 30,000-tonne tranche that drew bids nearly triple the available volume. Separate private-sector shipments brought in about 10,600 tonnes of staple rice in May, roughly three-quarters of it from the United States. Japan caps annual tariff-free imports of table rice at 100,000 tonnes and charges 341 yen ($2.37) per kilogram on volumes above that ceiling.

Tokyo is trying to persuade Washington to roll back the auto duty and avert reinstatement of the 24% reciprocal tariff while protecting a farm lobby that is crucial ahead of upper-house elections on 20 July. U.S. Treasury Secretary staff have said they will reject any arrangement deemed unfair to American producers, underscoring the narrow window for a deal before the pause on extra duties expires next week.

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#Japan #Ryosei Akazawa #Tokyo #Washington #Akazawa #Donald Trump #Trump #Japanese #American #United States

Financial Analysis

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Sources

reuters.com(6)fnn.jp(4)msn.com(2)yna.co.kr

연합뉴스

@yonhaptweet

Trump: “We may be imposing 30-35% on Japan... some countries may not be able to trade with the US” (General)

FNNプライムオンライン

@FNN_News

US Treasury Secretary “Don't accept if it's unfair” instructions from President Trump on Japan-US tariff negotiations, dissatisfied with Japan not expanding rice imports #FNNプライムオンライン

方舟子

@fangshimin

When Trump postponed the “Liberation Day” tariffs, he claimed to be able to reach an agreement with other countries, claiming 90 agreements in 90 days. Now 90 days have passed. Other than China and Britain, where are the agreements? Trump: “I write to many countries. We have dealt with Japan. I'm not sure we can reach an agreement. I doubt there can be an agreement with Japan. They're very tough. You have to understand, they are spoiled... they won't accept rice.”

Story Timeline

10 days ago•Latest version

Japan Defends Farm Sector as Trump Tariff Threat Sinks Nikkei 500 Points

11 days ago•Original version

Japan Rejects Trump Rice Pressure, Says Farm Sector Off-Limits in Tariff Talks

Japan Rejects Trump Rice Pressure, Says Farm Sector Off-Limits in Tariff Talks

Financial Analysis

Associated Financial Markets

Related Prediction Markets

25% Japan tariff in effect by August 1?

Which countries will the U.S. agree to tariff agreements with before August?

Will Trump remove majority of reciprocal tariffs before 90 day deadline?

25% South Korea tariff in effect by August 1?

Sources

Story Timeline

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