U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that he will no longer extend the reciprocal tariff exemption. He suggested imposing a tariff rate in the 30% range on Japan, with which negotiations are underway.
On the 1st (local time), according to Reuters, President Trump hinted at imposing reciprocal tariffs on various countries starting from the 9th during a press conference on his private jet while returning to Washington, D.C., from Florida.
In particular, a higher tariff rate than the existing set rate was proposed for Japan. Trump said, "I am not confident that we will reach an agreement with Japan" and noted, "We could impose a tariff of 30% or 35% on Japanese imports, or whatever figure we decide."
Earlier, on April 9, before the reciprocal tariff was suspended, Trump announced a tariff rate of 24% on Japan.
The United States and Japan, which are currently in negotiations, have recently shown little progress due to differences in opinion. The day before, President Trump expressed his dissatisfaction on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, "Countries around the world are being disrespectful to the U.S.," and added, "Japan does not want to import U.S. rice despite experiencing a rice shortage."
Additionally, Trump has pressured countries that are not showing enthusiasm in negotiations concerning the expiration of the reciprocal tariff exemption period to notify them of unilateral tariff rates in writing.
Trump's reciprocal tariff exemption measure will end on the 8th. The reciprocal tariff took effect on April 9 for 57 economic entities including the European Union (EU), but was suspended for 90 days, excluding China, within half a day or 13 hours.