Trump threatens Japan with new tariffs, claiming it won’t buy America’s rice
CNNJUN 29
Trump Warns Japan of Higher Tariffs Over Rice
Above: U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at the NATO Summit 2025 on June 24, 2025. Image copyright: Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
Aside from rice, Japan also treats the United States unfairly when it comes to the automobile trade. Although the president has negotiated deals with several trading partners, many — including Japan — can expect to receive letters informing them of what tariffs they'll be paying for the right to trade with America.
Democratic narrative
Beyond Trump's misunderstanding of the facts — Japan already imports significant amounts of American rice — he's also losing leverage as Japan's rice shortage wanes. This isn't the first time he's threatened to issue tariffs via letter, but he always backs down in the end and probably will this time as well.