Trump threatens Japan with 35% tariff over rice imports and trade disparity

US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 30-35 per cent tariffs on Japan if it continues to refuse American rice imports. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Japan's stance on rice imports and the trade disparity between the nations during a conversation with journalists on Air Force One.

Trump mentioned that making a deal with Japan seems unlikely due to their tough and spoiled nature. He stated that a letter would be sent to Japan informing them of the tariffs to be imposed, citing the significant trade deficit with Japan.

In April, Trump imposed a 10 per cent tariff on imports from most trading partners, with higher rates being considered for countries without agreements with the US. Japan, a key US ally, faces standard tariffs along with additional duties on certain products.

Contrary to Trump's claim on Truth Social, data from the US Census Bureau showed that Japan did purchase rice from the US, with $298 million worth of rice bought last year. Between January and April this year, Japan bought $114 million worth of rice.

According to the source: Times of India.