Trump says he will not compromise with Japan on tariffs

On the 29th local time, US President Trump once again expressed dissatisfaction with the US-Japan automobile trade: called it "unfair," implying that he would not back down on the issue of imposing a 25% tariff on Japanese cars imported to the US.

Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the automobile trade with Japan during an interview with Fox News (FOX News) on the 29th. He also hinted that he would not abandon his stance of imposing an additional 25% tariff on Japanese imported cars, highlighting that the US-Japan trade negotiations have been stuck due to the car tariff issue.

Regarding whether to extend the suspension period for additional "reciprocal tariffs" on trading partner countries and regions, which is set to expire on July 9, and continue negotiations, Trump clearly stated: "I will send a letter, which means the trade agreement has ended." He specifically mentioned Japan, saying: "I can also send a letter to Japan, saying [Dear Japan, your cars will be subject to a 25% tariff]."

He further criticized Japan, saying: "They don't accept our cars, but they export millions of Japanese cars to the US, which is very unfair." He said: "I have explained this to Japan, and they understand."

Additionally, Trump pointed out that there is a huge trade deficit between the US and Japan, and emphasized: "Japan can import a lot of crude oil and can buy many other American products," expressing his desire for Japan to increase its purchases of American energy products.

Economic Revitalization Minister Akasaka Ryoji held talks with US Commerce Secretary Rutenberg on July 27 regarding the tariff issues of the Trump administration, and extended his scheduled trip to the US by one day, trying to further discuss with Treasury Secretary Bessen.

The focus of this negotiation not only includes individual tariffs in areas such as automobiles, but also whether to extend the suspension period for the general "reciprocal tariffs" on imported goods.

The so-called "reciprocal tariffs" refer to a base rate of 10% for all imported goods, with additional different rates depending on the trade partners. The additional part is currently temporarily suspended, but if the buffer period ends on July 9, Japanese goods will be subject to a tax rate as high as 24%.

Regarding Trump's statements, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Aoki Kazuhiko stated at a press conference on the morning of the 30th: "It is not appropriate to comment on every statement." At the same time, he also avoided commenting on Trump's negation of extending the negotiation deadline of July 9.

As part of the seventh round of ministerial-level negotiations between Japan and the US, Akasaka visited Washington from the 26th to the 28th, and held a face-to-face meeting with Rutenberg on the 27th for about one hour. He had originally planned to meet with the core negotiator - Treasury Secretary Bessen, so he extended his stay, but ultimately failed to achieve it, and left the US on the 29th, arriving at Haneda Airport in Japan on the afternoon of the 30th.

Regarding why Akasaka extended his stay in the US by one day, the Japanese side said: "After the meeting with Commerce Secretary Rutenberg, there were two more telephone consultations, and continuous coordination with the US side. Both sides agreed that future negotiations will be conducted at the staff level, so it was decided to return home temporarily."

Source: rfi

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836362823031876/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.