As the July 9 deadline approaches, Japan and the United States are racing to reach an agreement that could avert new U.S. duties of up to 35 percent on Japanese goods. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba made it clear this weekend that Tokyo won't back down easily.
We will not easily compromise. That's why it is taking time and why it is tough.
Ishiba told viewers on a Sunday television talk show, underscoring the high stakes for exporters, automakers and tech firms watching the negotiations unfold.
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump imposed a 10 percent tariff on most trading partners and later unveiled – then paused – higher rates for dozens of economies, including Japan, to allow room for talks. This tariff pause is set to expire on July 9, leaving Japan scrambling to secure more favorable terms before duties rise.
Trump has criticized the bilateral relationship as 'unfair,' demanding Japan open its market to more U.S. automobiles and rice. In response, Japan has leaned on its status as the biggest investor nation in the U.S. economy to argue for differentiated treatment.
Ryosei Akazawa, Tokyo's trade envoy, held back-to-back calls with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, racing against the clock to address each claim from Washington. Ishiba stressed that every point must be examined: 'What is unfair? How is it unfair? We are allies, but we have to say what we have to say.'
On another Sunday program, Ishiba added that Japan is 'preparing to deal with all kinds of situations,' signaling readiness to explore every option if talks stall.
With global supply chains still recovering and businesses on edge, the outcome in Washington will ripple across car lots, electronics factories and beyond. Young entrepreneurs, investors and policy watchers from Tokyo to New York will be watching closely—and Japanese leaders have made clear they won't be rushed into a deal they see as one-sided.
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Japanese PM vows not to 'easily compromise' on Trump tariffs
cgtn.com
