Japan Opts Not to Comment on Trump's New Tariff Warning

(MENAFN) Japan refrained from commenting on US President Donald Trump's latest tariff warning on Wednesday, instead vowing to pursue "sincere" discussions with Washington, according to local news reports.

In a press briefing in Tokyo, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kazuhiko Aoki confirmed they are aware of President Trump’s remarks but emphasized that Japan does not address every statement made by US officials. media reported his comments.

"We intend to advance bilateral talks in a sincere and faithful manner toward reaching an agreement that will benefit both Japan and the United States," Aoki added.

Trump's comments on Tuesday cast doubt on the possibility of finalizing a new trade deal with Japan. "We've dealt with Japan. I'm not sure we're going to make a deal. I doubt it with Japan," he stated.

The President also threatened to increase tariffs on Japanese imports to as much as 30% to 35%, reiterating that he has no plans to extend the July 9 deadline for trade agreements with countries, including Japan.

Ryosei Akazawa, Japan's chief trade negotiator, has held several rounds of high-level talks with US counterparts but has yet to secure any deal. The ongoing negotiations have been complicated by the US’s imposition of a 25% tariff on Japanese automobile exports.

This marks the second occasion Japan has chosen not to respond to Trump’s statements, as Akazawa also withheld comment on Monday following Trump’s declaration that he would not reverse the higher auto tariffs on Japan.

In a televised interview on Sunday, Trump confirmed his stance, saying he would continue to enforce the 25% tariff on imported cars despite Tokyo’s repeated calls for its removal.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed support on Wednesday for the Japanese company Nippon Steel's acquisition of US Steel. He praised the $14.1 billion deal, which was finalized last month after 18 months of negotiations, calling it a potential model for strengthening economic ties between the two nations.

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