Trump warns of 30–35% tariffs on Japan if trade deal not finalized by July 9

Trump warns of 30–35% tariffs on Japan if trade deal not finalized by July 9

[Washington, July 2, 2025] — U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that unless a trade agreement between the United States and Japan is finalized by July 9, import tariffs of 30 to 35 percent will be imposed on Japanese goods.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday, Trump said, “We’ve done business with Japan. I’m not sure we’re going to reach a deal. I have my doubts.”

Notably, on April 2, as part of his declared "Liberation Day," Trump imposed a 24 percent import tariff on Japan, which sparked sharp criticism. However, the tariff was later reduced to 10 percent for most of America’s trading partners for a 90-day negotiation window.

That 90-day period ends on July 9, and Trump has made it clear he does not intend to extend the deadline.

Japan has not made a direct comment on the president’s warning. At a press conference, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kazuhiko Aoki said, “We’re aware of what President Trump has said, but we don’t comment on every statement made by U.S. government officials.”

Currently, most Japanese exports to the U.S. face a 10 percent tariff. In addition, Japanese vehicles and auto parts are subject to up to 25 percent tariffs, and steel and aluminum face tariffs of up to 50 percent.

Japan’s agricultural sector has also become a major point of contention. On Tuesday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said, “We will not make any concessions that harm our farmers in order to reach a deal with Washington.”

Amid this ongoing tension, it remains uncertain whether the two countries can reach a workable trade agreement. A final decision is expected by next week.