Trump Criticizes Japan Once More for Neglecting to Liberalize Trade Markets
The ongoing trade tension between the United States and Japan is intensifying, with U.S. President Donald Trump expressing his dissatisfaction over Japan's limited market access for American imports. In a statement made at an air force base near Washington, Trump reiterated his complaint about Japan's reluctance to open its market further to U.S. goods, particularly cars and agricultural products.
The U.S. trade policy negotiations with Japan appear to be at a standstill due to the Japanese election scheduled for Sunday. The Japanese government has reportedly been reluctant to make concessions in trade talks, fearing potential political backlash from the electorate. As a result, Trump has threatened to impose a 25% reciprocal tariff on Japanese goods, effective August 1, with the possibility of increasing this tariff to as high as 35% if negotiations fail.
In a letter sent to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba last week, Trump outlined his administration's intention to impose these tariffs as a measure in response to Japan's failure to open its markets further to U.S. imports. The letter also hinted that the U.S. might stick with this course if Japan does not make sufficient concessions.
The U.S. has long demanded greater access to the Japanese market, especially for automobiles and agricultural goods. Japan, on the other hand, has made proposals aimed at reducing its trade surplus with the U.S., including increasing imports of American products. However, Trump remains frustrated by what he sees as inadequate concessions.
The tariff, if implemented, will be imposed on various Japanese goods imported into the U.S. Trump has also hinted that he may "veer from" a deal with Japan through a letter if Japan opens up its country without making substantial concessions. The reciprocal tariff on Japanese goods is part of the U.S.'s broader trade policy negotiations with Japan.
The Japanese election may be causing a delay or disruption in these negotiations. If the election results in a government less inclined to compromise on trade issues, the trade dispute between the U.S. and Japan could escalate further, potentially leading to increased tariffs and a worsening of trade relations.
[1] White House Press Release, "President Trump Announces Reciprocal Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum," March 8, 2018, [2] Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, "U.S. Trade Policy on Japan," July 23, 2019,
The White House considered sending a stern photo to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Japan, as a symbol of their escalating trade tension, according to reports. The ongoing trade policy-and-legislation dispute, fueled by the upcoming general-news election in Japan, has seen both countries dig their heels in, with Trump threatening steep tariffs on Japanese goods and Ishiba's government hesitant to make significant concessions.
