Trump on Japan-US Tariff Talks: "Japan is Rapidly Changing Its Position"

US President Trump said on the 13th that "Japan is rapidly changing its position" in the Japan-US tariff negotiations. He made this statement during an interview at Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington. Trump again expressed dissatisfaction with Japan regarding the tariff negotiations, saying, "Although we have a very close relationship with Japan, they do not import our cars, and they hardly import our agricultural products." President Trump also said that Japan is rapidly changing its policy. He also mentioned that depending on the negotiation situation, "the tariff rate may be changed or may not be changed."

Although he did not reveal specific details, it is believed that he was referring to the progress of the negotiations, and it is also possible that the Japanese government showed a gesture of concession.

On the 14th, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Tachibana Keiichiro commented on Trump's remarks, saying, "It is inconvenient to comment on each one individually." He emphasized that they will continue to promote consultations and actively seek the possibility of reaching an agreement.

According to sources, regarding the issue of automobiles, Japan has clearly stated on the 10th that it is negotiating with the US on increasing the import of American cars and the "reverse import" of Japanese manufacturers' cars produced in the US, based on confirming safety and other factors.

The US government has extended the suspension period for the reciprocal tariffs that were originally scheduled to expire on the 9th of this month until August 1st. Currently, the reciprocal tariff rate for most goods from Japan is uniformly 10%. On July 7th, Trump sent a letter to Japan, raising the reciprocal tariff to 25%. The Japanese government hopes to continue negotiations to avoid high tariffs, while Trump is intensifying pressure to secure conditions favorable to the US.

So far, Japan has sent Economic Revitalization Minister Akasaka Ryohei to the US seven times, conducting multiple rounds of tariff negotiations with US officials, but no agreement has been reached on issues such as reducing car tariffs, which Japan hopes for.

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba stated during a street speech in Chiba Prefecture's Funabashi City on the 9th about the tariff negotiations, saying, "This is a battle concerning national interests. Can we tolerate being looked down upon? Even as an ally, we must firmly express our position."

Meanwhile, US President Trump announced on July 9th that a US delegation led by Treasury Secretary Becerra will visit Japan on July 19th to participate in the 2025 Japan World Expo (Osaka-Kansai World Expo). July 19th coincides with the start of the "National Pavilion Day" event in the US.

US Secretary of State Rubio stated on the 11th, "Next week, a delegation including Commerce Secretary Rutnik and Deputy Undersecretary Landau will visit Japan to attend the World Expo. They also plan to participate in related negotiations."

Source: rfi

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837612670217228/

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