Japan Avoids Comment on Trump’s Tariff Threat, Vows to Continue Trade Talks
TOKYO — Japan declined Wednesday to respond to U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest threat to raise tariffs on Japanese imports, instead pledging to continue “sincere” trade negotiations with Washington, local media reported.
Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kazuhiko Aoki told reporters in Tokyo that while the government is aware of Trump’s comments, it does not react to every statement made by U.S. officials. “We intend to advance bilateral talks in a sincere and faithful manner toward reaching an agreement that will benefit both Japan and the United States,” Aoki said, according to Kyodo News Agency.
Trump cast doubt Tuesday on the likelihood of a new trade deal with Japan, saying, “I doubt it with Japan,” and warned that tariffs could increase to 30% or even 35% if no agreement is reached by the July 9 deadline. The U.S. has already imposed a 25% tariff on Japanese automobile exports, adding pressure to the negotiations.
Despite several rounds of talks led by Japan’s top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa, no breakthrough has been achieved. Tokyo has repeatedly asked Washington to remove the existing auto tariffs, but Trump said Sunday he has no intention of doing so.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba welcomed Nippon Steel’s $14.1 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel, calling it a model for strengthening economic ties between the two allies. The deal, finalized last month after 18 months of negotiations, is seen as a rare example of successful Japanese investment in a critical U.S. industry amid escalating trade tensions.
