Trump floats Japan tariff, Hassett says deals after July 4

A staff member stacks bags of government stockpiled rice before selling them in a section of convenience store chain Seven-Eleven Japan in Tokyo on June 17, 2025. US President Donald Trump threatens a fresh tariff level for Japan, due to its unwillingness to accept US rice exports. - AFP

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump threatened to impose a fresh tariff level on Japan, while his top economic adviser said the White House aims to finalise deals with partners after the July 4 holiday.

Trump’s latest round of brinkmanship with Tokyo on Monday (June 30) comes just over a week before a July 9 deadline for higher tariffs to restart for dozens of trading partners, including Japan. He cited what he said was the country’s unwillingness to accept US rice exports.