On Social Media: "Japan Refuses to Import Our Rice Despite Rice Shortage"
U.S. President Donald Trump warned on June 30 (local time) that he would send a letter specifying tariff rates to Japan, which has shown little progress in recent trade negotiations.
On this day, President Trump stated on his self-created social networking service, Truth Social, "I want to show how much the United States has spoiled other countries," adding, "I respect Japan, but even though they are experiencing a massive rice shortage, they are not willing to import our rice." He continued, "In other words, we will send them a letter," and added, "I want them to remain our trade partner for many years to come."
With the expiration of the reciprocal tariff suspension set for July 8 approaching, this is interpreted as an attempt to urge Japan to take a more proactive stance in removing trade barriers and to pressure for a swift conclusion to negotiations. In early April, President Trump implemented reciprocal tariffs, suspending country-specific tariffs except for the basic 10% tariff for 90 days. During this suspension period, the United States has been conducting negotiations with major trading partners with the goal of reaching trade agreements.
President Trump has made it clear that he will not extend the reciprocal tariff suspension, raising the level of pressure on countries around the world. In a Fox News interview released the previous day, when asked about the possibility of extending the tariff suspension, he replied, "I don't think it will be necessary," and said, "What we need to do is send letters to all countries before the 9th." Regarding the tariff rates, he stated, "It could be 25%, 35%, 50%, or 10%."
The White House also expressed a negative stance on extending the reciprocal tariff suspension on this day. White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt said in a briefing, "President Trump said he does not think it (extending the tariff suspension) is necessary," and added, "If they (America's trading partners) do not negotiate in good faith, he will decide on tariff rates for many countries. He (Trump) will meet with the trade team this week to do that."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
