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© KYODOTrump calls Japan 'very spoiled' as he floats idea of imposing 30% or 35% tariff
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128 Comments
Bob Fosse
"I'm not sure we're going to make a deal. I doubt it,"
So, you can’t make a deal. I see.
Useless.
Rivera
Time to pucker up baby
virusrex
So maybe now Japan will stop with endless visits trying to please Trump?
YankeeX
Japan's tactic of dragging its feet due to upper house elections later this month might backfire. Insisting on more of the same doesn't seem to work. Go figure!?
HopeSpringsEternal
Likely due to Japan's upcoming elections, no deal signed, Trump issues a formal letter to 'set' the reciprocal tariff rate and trade negotiations continue with possible updates and revisions at a later date.
Many countries with significant US trade will fall into above category of new reciprocal tariff rates and continued trade negotiations, key being the financial pressure of tariffs to expedite a final trade deal
u_s__reamer
So now it's time for the J-government to stop bowing to Trump and flex some of their economic muscle ju-jutsu-style.
quercetum
As the Japanese often say: If you don’t like it, why don’t you go back to your home country?
Negotiation, after all, comes in many flavors. Some prefer tea and tact; others opt for smoke, mirrors, and a bit of theatrics—call it the art of the bluff.
Nothing wrong with angling for a favorable deal, is there?
And as our friends in Japan would rightly point out, residing in Tokyo is considered a privilege—not a birthright with a customer satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not keen on the terms, well… there’s always the return flight.
Likewise, should one wish to flog wares in the U.S. of A., there are conditions. Markets are not charity bazaars Taro. Don’t fancy the rules? Then by all means, fire up your fax machine and try your luck selling it from your showroom floor back home.
Spoiled indeed I’d agree.
semperfi
.
Time for Japan to stop hosting US military basis.
.
JD
FAFO Japan. I thought they already learned from China and Canada but apparently not. This is not the old America anymore that will lie down and let the world walks all over it. This is America First. MAGA baby. Dear Japan letter will arrive in your mailbox in two weeks. It's nice doing business with you.
ScottDRad
And paying for the privilege!
quercetum
And rendered in Japanese.
Haikei
Sayonara.
Keigu
bass4funk
Japan is not suicidal
They are also not stupid
geronimo2006
Japan is betting it is Trump who will chicken out. He's all talk, and Japan knows it and will not soften their negotiating position. And I doubt many other countries will either.
JD
The US is there to protect Japan against China so it's Japan who should say Thank You and pay for their services. The US is more than happy to withdraw from Japan and let Japan take care of themselves. Can they? I think you know the answer. Time to start learning Chinese once the US is gone.
Newgirlintown
He’s ’very spoiled’.
KnightsOfCydonia
Be careful lil donny, Japan is the largest holder of US treasury bonds...
Dango bong
half of your GDP is based on selling to America yet you won't import American products. Yes, that would be called spoiled...
sakurasuki
That's right, it also shows that Japan would prefer to sacrifice automobile and other industry that able to lead into US, just to protect farmer. So far Japan has nothing to offer,
In addition to that this is what he said "They (Japan) need rice so badly but they won't take rice"
He got the point on that one, just go to minute 04:51 of that interview.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_3FKs48-5E&t=291s
kwatt
It seems not many Japanese cars are sold in America in near future and they would have to buy more cars made in US instead of Japan there.
TokyoLiving
I think the real spoiled clown is Trump, who throws a worldwide tantrum every time something doesn't go right for him..
TokyoLiving
Time for the whole world to get rid of that military invasive plague..
Dango bong
Comment from someone who does not know Japan's constitution
bass4funk
Exactly. Japan is being a paper tiger once again.
YankeeX
The truth is Japan is not on equal footing with the US and is in no position to dictate terms. Trump is clearly aware of this and is unlike previous administrations so......
bass4funk
The opposite, for way too long, former Presidents wanted to do what Trump is doing, they didn’t have the guts and worried about backlash, Trump doesn’t care about non of that, this is why a lot of former Presidents are less vocal about this.
wallace
Japan does not want American cars.
Dango bong
Yes! Tell the country with 1/5 of the world's buying power and HALF OF YOUR GDP that they suck. that should work out real well
bass4funk
Facts have nothing to do with Rambo guy.
Bob Fosse
Paper Tiger vs Paper chicken.
Japan just need to wait, the chicken has nothing.
Fighto!
The sales trends bear out the reality : the Japanese market does not want or need crappy American made cars - nor Harley Davidsons. Forcing them on Japan is absurd and pointless.
bass4funk
Well, we are the rooster that guards the hen house
Yeah, you keep thinking that. ROFL!
KnightsOfCydonia
'were' would be more accurate, the fox has taken over those duties currently.
bass4funk
More euphemisms…ok…
WoodyLee
Japan has so many cards to play too, trading is just the first down.
Garthgoyle
Here's an idea. Why don't the world let the orange go ahead with the massive tariffs on everyone? Since almost nothing is made in USA, Americans would simply need to GAMAN and pay the tax on everything they consume. And since the tariffs are on everything, no one would get a competitive advantage over anyone.
WoodyLee
I hope the two nation will ultimately meet their goals and move on.
YankeeX
So why not remove the NTB (non-tariff barriers) for crappy American cars and allow the inferior Californian rice to be sold ? Allow the Japanese consumers and market to decide. Trump wants equivalent market access, just as Japan seeks access to American markets.
OssanAmerica
Come on Japan, Digital Tax like Canada, start dumping US Securities, demand an increase in the US base costs, your dealing with a deranged idiot. Stop trying to negotiate with an intelligent person. He wants Japan to accept US rice? He should be giving it to Japan free/at cost to help an ally with a shortage.
Japan has helped out the United States during the semiconductor shortges of the 2020s, the medical supplies shortage during Covid19 pandemic, LNG price stabalization during 2022-2023, joint rare earth development, etc.
Trump says thoughtless stupid things day in and day out, and the media keeps reporting it. The man has no decency and prides himself on his childish negotiating manner.
HopeSpringsEternal
Japan has to realize the 'free lunch' is ending, that all companies trying to export vs. build in the US, will pay a steep $price to do so. No surprise, as this is the economic policy that won Trump the election = JOBS
Aly Rustom
Trump calls Japan 'very spoiled' as he floats idea of imposing 30% or 35% tariff
Actually, I have to agree- as much as I hate to..
WoodyLee
""The sales trends bear out the reality : the Japanese market does not want or need crappy American made cars - nor Harley Davidsons. Forcing them on Japan is absurd and pointless.""
I remember the days when Japanese products were crappy too, no need to go this far !! American tech companies helped Japan and the rest of the world thrive and still does.
The US and Japan are two indispensable partners and will work things out .
As for Harley, that is Japanese Harley division led by Japanese management and made in part in several parts of Asia including Japan.
Mickelicious
Meanwhile the Distractor-in-Chief's insider trading continues unabated.
Ricky Kaminski13
Sorry folks just feel obliged to tell the other sides take on things too, as all we get in here is the leftist gripes and takes. For the sake of universal balance, dozo.
America just took in 27 billion dollars in tariff revenue in the month of June. Trump is on a roll after showing the world the precision and proficiency of the US military taking by dropping a bomb ( designed by a secret team who worked on that particular potential mission for 12 YEARS , not even telling their families what they were working on. 12 years! ) into the hole equivalent size of a refrigerator sized shaft after a dummy team of bombers were sent in the other direction while the real team went silently, untracked the other direction to the target. You don’t have to worry too about drug fueled youth in Glastonbury waving the flag of terrorists, they will all go home to mums basement tomorrow and just get behind their screens and have a massive comedown. The youth will be youth, bless them. Bob Vilain never gets to eat his American hamburger now too.
The 12 day war is officially over. If you have been following the situation on the ground in China the US mission to hit the Iranian underground bunker had a profound effect on the inner workings and big power players within the CCP, who are rumored to have agreed to radically changing direction and opening up China for business ( can’t be announced yet as it would show that would show the world that Xi is not pulling the strings anymore, but stay tuned. Trump couldn’t help hint about it the other day though, Donald Sush!) I reckon because of that one move on that mountain we may not even have to go to war over Taiwan, at least in the near future, that and NK will just stay its paranoid over militarized distopian hell hole self. Rocket man, knock yourself out mate. US. Boarders are closed, illegals now realize they are illegal and that the law means something again, and Trump is pushing his ‘big beautiful bill’ on the back of these record tariff revenues, cause by all accounts, it’s gunna cost! The democrats are doubling down on their more extreme players AOC and now this joker new potential mayor in New York. Good luck with that guys, I really mean it. Please keep doubling down.
Meanwhile, at the adult table, love him or loathe the T man, doesn’t matter, the world is already a very very different place. Japan as we all know are a reasonable folk,( generally) but collectively they can be a very hard and stubborn nut to crack, and often get away with somehow stacking the cards all in their favor in negotiations, and are not well known for flexibility, appeasement nor compromise, much the opposite of the ‘ lapdog of the U.S’ sentiments that many will no doubt start to appear in unison when some of the duller thinkers read this carefully constructed news article. Those folk obviously don’t live and work closely with actual Japanese people, nor know the culture.
So when he says 30 or even 35% tariff, I’d take him very seriously at this juncture, especially the way Ishiba has been playing his game of dodge recently. Love it or hate it , he feels he has some serious leverage and this is where we are at. This will ring almost like an alternative universe world view and mindset to many fellow JT reader friends, cause calling Trump all of the names you can conjure has become the only game to many, but looking at the actual results I am quietly ( ok, not so quiet ) optimistic about where this all could all go. The great and historical irony of it all is that it took a chronically flawed human being like trump to get it done. That’s something very deep and worth contemplating and stewing on slowly.
Japan can step up, in or out. Up to them, but they are gunna have to make decisions, on their feet, like yesterday! Thanks always for the outlet JT. Love your work!
justasking
No you pay that.
Chico3
Given is losing track record, what makes him an authority? Not everyone, Donny, gets to go back to Mar de lardo and play golf when things get worse for the country and the world.
itsonlyrocknroll
Japan Kochi, Ino town are devoted to kei-jidōsha , their dinky toy cars, I have a Suzuki Wagon R 25th Anniversary edition.
Suzuki Wagon R Stingray Hybrid, 25 year Anniversary...Mine is dark green
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RThVX2oj0Yc
I miss the Honda Civic R…
Japan consumers will not buy stuff/cars etc it does not want.
Rice, yes if a completive price
kwatt
Japan has about $1 trillion US treasury bonds. That is the largest in the world. Second is China. Third is UK.
Japan can sell US bonds whatever it wants.
Wasabi
Time to teach him a lesson.
YankeeX
That's not how financial markets work. Doing so is self defeating and would cause massive turmoil in Japanese financial markets.
Fighto!
Dango bong -
Made up nonsense.
Where on earth are you getting your "figures"?
kurisupisu
100% agree with Trump.
The Japanese are most certainly spoilt and selfish when it comes to trade.
When Japan is actually exporting its own domestic rice then I have to question why I need to pay a retail price of ¥1300 for a kilo of Basmati rice in Japan?
The Japanese government is now getting a wake up call!
bass4funk
That “summer of discontent” isn’t unprovoked chaos, it’s the consequence of decades of complacency, rigged trade deals, and a broken immigration system that both parties failed to fix. What you call “revenge” is actually a correction.
For years, the U.S. let foreign powers including China and yes, even Japan—reap the benefits of one-sided economic deals while American workers paid the price. Disrupting that status quo was never going to be painless.
As for agriculture, why are we still relying on an illegal labor system to feed our nation? If 70% of workers are undocumented and terrified, that says more about failed immigration enforcement and corporate dependency on exploited labor than the administration enforcing the law. Reform was promised for decades, no one delivered, let’s get real now. If short-term discomfort means restoring fairness, sovereignty, and long-overdue reform, then yes, it’s messy. But chaos wasn’t created — it was inherited. And doing nothing has never been the answer. Again, Japan doesn’t have the cards, good on Trump for holding the line.
Kaowaiinekochanknaw
No you pay that.
Correct, however this premise is only true if the US consumer decides to buy (the now much higher priced) Japanese good.
If they don't buy and switch their purchase to a more competitive priced item made in the US, Japanese companies and their GDP will suffer greatly.
Do most Americans really need Japanese cars or other products such as the Playstation or Switch if they become cost prohibitive?
They can and will switch to local products.
kwatt
World is going crazy now such as wars, bombings, tariffs,,,,,,, etc. No wonder even if such a thing happened. Everything seems unpredictable.
kokontozai
Trump says Japan are spoiled, but does Trump know that the average tariff rate in Japan is lower than in the US? Only rice is special though. The US simply cannot produce an attractive product.
Lindsay
So, Japan should put tariffs onto US goods. Beef, rice, vehicles for starters. Give Trump a bit of his own. .
kohakuebisu
The president does not independently set trade policy. The tariffs on Canada and Mexico, which did not happen in the way Trump said, were based on emergency powers evoked due to "fentalyn".
This is far more likely to be a storm in a teacup than any massive blow to the Japanese economy.
DanteKH
Remind me again, what are those essentials products that Japan needs from USA, VS the other way around?
OssanAmerica
No that's called being intelligent.
Even Americans don't buy many American products because they suck.
They buy European and Japanese products because they are better.
Orange Braindead et al can't understand the simple concept that if you want someone to buy what you made you have to make it well enough that they will want to buy it. You can't force someone to buy your garbage.
Speed
I've been watching this clown since the early 80s and he's ALWAYS been irrational against Japan.
When Detroit was putting out garbage that lasted on average a few short years, Japan's cars were excellent. long-lasting and cheap. Clown wanted to put a full-on import restriction on Japan rather than acknowledge the fact that Americans didn't want to buy trash.
He's never had anything positive to say about Japan. Clown has no intention of easing any of these tariffs on Japan unless Japan gives away the deed to the house.
I say let these tariffs take affect and have Japan start liquidating the massive amount of treasury funds helping to prop up the US govt. God knows we could use the money here.
bass4funk
Great! That’s a fight that Trump likes, he’ll just double-down then.
OssanAmerica
Oddly, they do. High end Japanese and European cars are a status symbol on the East and West Coasts. Buyers can afford a higher price tag and they will pay it. As for the middle of America, J-cars like Corollas are made in the USA to meet that demand.
LOL. When is the last time a "local" US maker produced anything close to a Playstation or any Nintendo product? There has to be an actual "local" alternative for a consumer to choose it first, over an import.
John-San
Bass. As for agriculture, why are we still relying on an illegal labor system to feed our nation?
They don't. 90% of their labour goes into what is exported but seeing that you don't have entry into those market anymore since Trump idiocy of a Tariff war their labour won't be needed and those export contract have been lost for least a decade LOL. Your comment lack research Bass. LOL
lincolnman
Melting down before our very eyes....he obviously confused China with Japan in his dementia-addled brain...
25th Amendment now - before he confuses Canada and Russia and says he'll "totally obliterate" Toronto....
bass4funk
Wrong as usual, not surprised
Dango bong
Remind me what America needs from ANYONE! We could be 80% self-sufficient, we trade to have good relations. Japan and the EU have been using America like a welfare handout. That is over.
OssanAmerica
Firstly, exporting rice when there is a domestic supply shortage on the surface sounds contradictory. However, rice designated for export are premium brands and produced through govt subsidies. Whereas the domestically sold rice is stockpiled and reserved. The two are not interchangable in actual practice or policy.
Secondly, Japan neither produces nor exports Basmati Rice. If you are paying JY1300/kg for Basmati Rice in Japan the price is (1) reflecting of an Imported product usually from India or Pakistan, and (2) still much cheaper than the short grain Japonica Rice produced domestically.
Dango bong
3.5 more years of making the world better. Hope you get used to it
OssanAmerica
Which is why nations sell off in bits and pieces to avoid such turmoil. But still send a kick between the legs message to Trump. It worked for China.
Kaowaiinekochanknaw
Remind me again, what are those essentials products that Japan needs from USA, VS the other way around?
Here are the top 10 categories for 2025.
You can decide which are essential or not.
Machinery; nuclear reactors; boilers
Mineral fuels; Oil; Distillation products
Pharmaceutical products
Optical; Photo; Technical; Medical devices
Electrical Electronic Equipment
Cereals
Air Craft; Space Craft
Organic Chemicals
Meat and Edible Meat Offal
Oil Seed; Organic Fruit; Grains; Fruit; Seeds
https://tradingeconomics.com/japan/imports/united-states
John
There has been too many items imported from US already. IF US imposes tariffs, Japanese products will just sell at a higher price there. But it would still sell due to its quality. Tariffs would just be putting more burden on US consumers.
okinawarides
Ishiba and Japan's chief tariff negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, have repeatedly urged the Trump administration to remove the much higher tariffs.
Akazawa is not getting much done, things are not looking good for the Japan automakers atm.
stickman1760
Says the guy who inherited millions from Daddy and sat out the Vietnam war with sore feet
Starbucks
Remind me again, what are those essentials products that Japan needs from USA, VS the other way around?
Here are the top 10 categories for 2025.
You can decide which are essential or not.
Machinery; nuclear reactors; boilers
Mineral fuels; Oil; Distillation products
Pharmaceutical products
Optical; Photo; Technical; Medical devices
Electrical Electronic Equipment
Cereals
Air Craft; Space Craft
Organic Chemicals
Meat and Edible Meat Offal
Oil Seed; Organic Fruit; Grains; Fruit; Seeds
https://tradingeconomics.com/japan/imports/united-states
Is it possible you have it the wrong way around.
wallace
kurisupisu
You are buying it from the wrong place. Cheaper online or from the Asian shops around the Kobe mosque.
A simple search shows basmati rich ¥3800 for 5 kg.
BakabonPapa
A smarter POTUS would realize that it's always best for the USA to have the LDP in power in Japan, and eschew a stance that might weaken the LDP's control.
Nathaw
Trump calls Japan 'very spoiled' as he floats idea of imposing 30% or 35% tariff
Israel is absolutely Yes! Pampered cruel school yard bully with unlimited funding and military support. It has a free license to do genocide and murdering anyone everywhere.
Japan is pacifist nation. It will survive whether US will support or not. The course of rising Sun is not depending on 47. Sun has been rising for the eternity before he was even born.
Japan is very limited space in land. It is still a US colony with free land and accommodation for base which has never or will never need to fight for more than 70 years. This world is no longer in Saving Private Ryan era. Hollywood is no longer making a movie name as "A bridge too far".
In fact Nippon is not too far away from hostile neighbors. When Japan has to get high noon with super big neighbors, very unlikely US will involve.
In this world, only Japan has fought and defeated Russia back in 1904-1905 war. US will run away when Russia will invade inside northern territory of Japan. US has never and will never settle with Russia unlike brave Nippon.
In fact bases are not deterrent. It is the invitation for missiles and drones. US is far away and unlikely will get hit. If neighbors are angry, the bases and Japan will become punching bags.
wallace
kurisupisu
Avtar Basmati Rice 5kg Special Offer
¥3,400
Kobe Spice
https://kobe-spice.com/collections/rice-1?srsltid=AfmBOopnS1ok0AU0STOVlSuYTAFW0-L_ZviMvmOjlz5P3CzPnyVGAXQG
Raw Beer
Yes!
I've believe that for many years. And now even more so, seeing how they've been completely unable to defend their allies.
Tell them to go home, and they'll be able to put that money to much better use.
Peter14
What? Did I read that right? Trump the most spoiled fraud in America has the gall and front to call Japan spoiled? Stupid sod.
I noticed many many very skinny road in Japan when I was there. From Niigata down to Osaka and many places in between I traveled, and huge US cars would not suit them at all.
Just because Japan chooses not to import cars or more rice than it does for America, does not mean it is "ripping the US off". Different cultures, different tastes. Why doesnt America import more Japanese cigarettes and sake? They are "ripping Japan off" hugely by not importing enough of these goods. It goes both ways.
Trump is a massive black mark on America. Making America out to be a pack of whingers, but its just Republicans. Idiots putting a criminal in charge. Many of the worlds leaders do not want anything to do with the criminal in charge of America, or his policies. The moment he is gone much of the "accommodations" made for him will be erased.
BertieWooster
Maybe Japan should send Trump the bill for land rent for the bases that the US military has been using since 1945. The reality is that Japan spoiled the U.S.A. Not the other way round!
itsonlyrocknroll
Whatever we all fell about President Trump politically, personally,
Trump, US voters are well within their rights to fight call demand even playing field trading policies with the global community.
Yes, it is a brute force approach
However, long overdue.
bass4funk
While the concerns about inequality and tax loopholes are valid, claiming the trade war and U.S. domestic challenges are solely the result of deceitful politicians and under-taxation oversimplifies a complex economic reality. I think the problem is, most people particularly the Trump haters don’t know really anything and just blurt out, “Trump, everything bad!” Visceral and pure emotional, nothing more. First, the idea that the U.S. can balance its budget without cutting a single domestic program by simply raising the effective tax rate to 21.5% sounds appealing but it’s not practical and not based in reality. That would require a massive, across-the-board tax hike on middle-class Americans, small businesses, and retirees, not just the wealthy. The U.S. already relies heavily on income taxes compared to many OECD countries that use broader consumption-based taxes like VATs.
Second, corporate taxation is more complicated than just “make them pay like individuals.” Corporations often pass tax increases onto consumers through higher prices, or onto workers through lower wages and benefits. And if U.S. tax rates rise far above global averages, companies will move profits, and jobs, offshore. The result could be fewer jobs, stagnant wages, and even less tax revenue, again, something Trump haters never think about.
Third, while it’s true that ultra-wealthy individuals have benefited disproportionately, the causes are global: tech-driven consolidation, financialization, and international capital flows, not just U.S. tax rates. Even if the U.S. raised taxes on the wealthy significantly, it wouldn’t come close to covering annual deficits without broader systemic reforms, it just wouldn’t work, socialism and income redistribution only works until you run out of other people’s money. Lastly, calling the trade war a “scam” ignores legitimate concerns about foreign trade abuses, particularly from China — including intellectual property theft, forced technology transfers, and massive state subsidies that undercut U.S. industries. And Trump will always focus on that. The goal isn’t chaos but recalibration. The U.S. has allowed unfair trade practices for decades; reasserting leverage may cause short-term pain, but it’s intended to level the playing field long-term, thankfully those days are over and I’m happy about it.
In short, reform is needed — but simple solutions like “just raise taxes” or “end the trade war” ignore economic nuance and risk doing more harm than good if not implemented with balance and realism, time to splash cold water on your faces.
Five Families
Think about this-Its going to end Nissan America.
If the U.S. imposes a 30%–35% tariff on Nissan vehicle imports:
Most likely scenario: U.S. import tariffs on Japan-made or Mexico-made Nissan vehicles.
Higher Prices for Consumers.Vehicles like the Nissan Rogue, Sentra, or Leaf made outside the U.S. could see price hikes of thousands of dollars.
Nissan would either pass on costs or absorb them, hurting margins.
Lower Sales in the U.S.U.S. demand would likely drop due to higher prices, especially in the price-sensitive segments Nissan competes in (compact cars, affordable SUVs).
Pressure on U.S. Operations.Nissan may need to increase local production to avoid tariffs.
They could shift production to U.S. factories, but this takes time and investment.
Competitor Advantage.If competitors like Toyota or Honda have more U.S.-based production, they’d have a cost advantage, potentially gaining market share.
If the tariff targets components or raw materials:
Supply Chain Disruption.Nissan’s global supply chain could face cost increases, especially if tariffs hit key parts like engines, electronics, or steel.
Reduced Profit Margins.Parts imported for local assembly would get more expensive.
Nissan might need to renegotiate supplier contracts or re-source from domestic suppliers (often less efficient or more costly in the short term).
Strategic & Financial Impact.
Nissan’s profitability in tariff-affected markets would fall.
The company may reprioritize investments, shift production, or cut model lines.
Stock prices could react negatively if investors see increased risk or cost.
Global Trade Context.
Tariffs at this level would likely prompt retaliation from Japan or Mexico, further complicating international operations.
Nissan, already recovering from years of declining global sales and restructuring, would face additional pressure.
35% is too high.
Any no Japanese I know of wants American rice.
Ford Mustangs yes. Camros Yes, Lincolns Yes.
Trump wants to see an even playing field on vehicles. Thats what this is all about.
Whats Trump does not realize. Most avaeage Japanese drive a Kei Car. America does not make a vehicle that can compete with a Kei car.
Kaowaiinekochanknaw
Oddly, they do. High end Japanese and European cars are a status symbol on the East and West Coasts. Buyers can afford a higher price tag and they will pay it.
This is a luxury good and not a need. While discounting anything about European cars (which will also become price competitive against Japanese autos due to their respective differring tariff structures with the US) as this is about Japnese goods, many other people in the middle brackets will opt out of paying 25% or higher more as will be cost prohibitive.
Yes, I agree rich people will still spend their money, however they like - as they can.
Will it be the same amount of purchace across the board as without such high tariffs though? - I wager not.
As for the middle of America, J-cars like Corollas are made in the USA to meet that demand.
Cars made in the US, with US made parts won't be affected by tariffs. That was Trump's idea here - To provide jobs to US workers.
LOL. When is the last time a "local" US maker produced anything close to a Playstation or any Nintendo product? There has to be an actual "local" alternative for a consumer to choose it first, over an import.
To be fair, I am not into gaming except for knowing a little for my kids but I am sure more expensive foreign imports will have US companies seize the opportunity to make something competitive. X Box or MS et al may possibly make moves here.
Kids will play what their parents can afford and adults may choose to buy / or not the more expensive foreign imports. Of course some will still be willing to pay. But others wont.
And that's the point and likely why Japan is so worried about the high tariffs.
If they weren't so worried about the current situation facing them, this adticle wouldn't exist and the Government and J Companies would be more than happy to compete on product vs price.
Not saying anything about quality vs Japan or US, just stating that US consumers will buy less and opt for other goods.
It's microeconomic reality.
voiceofokinawa
The Trump administration may think Japan is too spoiled to defend itself 1from the China threat. The Ishiba government also thinks the China threat is a real McCoy, and so provides large swaths of land to the .U.S. military free of charge, in addition, shouldering more than 70 % of their operating costs.
Note that the U.S. military presence in Japan is not necessarily for the defense of Japan but they are working as watchdogs for Japan reverting to pre-war day militarism and going nuclearization, as some poster here, probably connected to USFJ, had pointed out.
starpunk
Kee-rect. Mercedes, MG Midget, Volvo - those are status symbols. And by dumb lucky chance I got to ride in a Rolls Royce (a British limo). Best ride I ever had! Never mind the ones who collect cars as a hobby.
trumpyChump once again is out of touch with reality. And that red dunce cap stating the brainwash term 'Gulf of America' is fooling no one.
Wasabi
trump have no respect for anything and no class.
the poor billionaire that got all his money from daddy and even dodge his army obligation.
njca4
It's not a negotiation, it's a shakedown
NCIS Reruns
Every time I pick up the newspaper I feel like I'm reading a serialized novel by Mario Puzo.
Jind
Japan, do NOT kneel down to this baby crying in his crib if not allowed to watch Fox News 24 hours a day.
Eventually, the Supreme Court will rule that Trump does NOT have the power to exercise Tariffs at thus high monetary value.
They had already ruled against Biden on Student loan forgiveness which was a much lower monetary value.
OssanAmerica
Japan needs American advanced weaponry.
USA needs Japans semiconductors, rare earth to make those weapons.
deanzaZZR
Kick the arrogant ones out. Stride East. Asia for Asians.
bass4funk
Depends, American classics as well
To each his own
I know all too well
Not so sure
What?
Kaowaiinekochanknaw
Is it possible you have it the wrong way around.
Not sure what you mean?
That list is of categories of products from the US, imported into Japan.
The link is there.
itsonlyrocknroll
Imposing 30% or 35% tariff is still aggressive, it could be just a figure picked out of thin air.
Retaliation is a fool’s errand; Canada Mark Carney rowed back quickly from such a policy.
Challenge is to find a compromise; the WTO could be more proactive.
Japan government must consider their consumers, at the sme time Japan government is not remotely a trade predator.
More pragmatism, both sides
wallace
What is the #1 selling vehicle in America?
Just as a redesigned sixth-gen RAV4 will unveil this year, the RAV4 has now become the best-selling overall vehicle, including those with a bed, in America. The Toyota RAV4 dethroned the Ford F-150, and took the #1 spot.
DeeZee
Japan can't win. China is moving rapidly towards locally made EV's and the U.S wants to put up trade barriers. That leaves them with fewer options because markets have become fragmented. Japanese cars are not value for money like they used to be. I see an inevitable dwindling market share for the once mighty automakers. Maybe Toyata will survive and the rest will consolidate into 2 or 3 companies that'll probably end up being bought up by Chinese automakers either partly or fully like what happened to UK's MG brand and Germany's Volvo.
kurisupisu
Firstly, exporting rice when there is a domestic supply shortage on the surface sounds contradictory. However, rice designated for export are premium brands and produced through govt subsidies. Whereas the domestically sold rice is stockpiled and reserved. The two are not interchangable in actual practice or policy.
Seems extremely contradictory to me.
There is some stockpiling of rice for emergencies but every year in the fall there is newly harvested rice for sale in Japan.
*Secondly, Japan neither produces nor exports Basmati Rice. If you are paying JY1300/kg for Basmati Rice in Japan the price is (1) reflecting of an Imported product usually from India or Pakistan, and (2) still much cheaper than the short grain Japonica Rice produced domestically.*
The wholesale price of rice for export is around $0.015 per kilo.The retail price in Japan is approximately $9.00.
The price of rice, retail in Japan was until recently,$7.00 a kilo.
You are in error….
kurisupisu
So, the tariffs on foreign rice are absolutely unfair.
Raw Beer
We've seen in recent days in israel, Iran, and Ukraine that US weaponry are pretty useless. No need for them, especially at the current price.
grc
So many people in these comments, myself included, have been telling Japan to hang tough in the talks, like China. Seems they are
enmaai
DeeZeeToday 12:42 pm JST
Japan can't win. China is moving rapidly towards locally made EV's and the U.S wants to put up trade barriers. That leaves them with fewer options because markets have become fragmented. Japanese cars are not value for money like they used to be. I see an inevitable dwindling market share for the once mighty automakers. Maybe Toyata will survive and the rest will consolidate into 2 or 3 companies that'll probably end up being bought up by Chinese automakers either partly or fully like what happened to UK's MG brand and Germany's Volvo.
So you're buying china made cars, Right?!
itsonlyrocknroll
The 2025 Ford F-150 Raptor R is the MOST powerful new production performance truck!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLT6GgHVKyc
Now in all honesty, I really cannot see Japan climbing over each other for such a in your face, look at me beast, seriously, can you?
okinawarides
wallaceToday 12:32 pm JST
What is the #1 selling vehicle in America? Just as a redesigned sixth-gen RAV4 will unveil this year, the RAV4 has now become the best-selling overall vehicle, including those with a bed, in America
Well deserved
itsonlyrocknroll
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is the BEST compact SUV!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpFsmi53ELY
What do you think, a hairdressers blowdry wet dream?
Mickelicious
It's a particular rarified air that perhaps Keir Starmer could describe to you.
itsonlyrocknroll
Mickelicious,
Keir Starmer could well come close to convincing me, far and above his own party.
Claire
No one likes American cars much. They are too expensive to own and run and the amount of petrol those things run through is astronomical. It's hard to get service for them and the spare parts are prohibitively expensive. Plus they are big, bulky and I'm sorry, not terribly pleasing to the eye, simply not practical for Japan. That is why we don't buy them. Japanese cars on the other hand.....
itsonlyrocknroll
Mickelicious,
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is the BEST compact SUV!
Or the
The 2025 Ford F-150 Raptor R is the MOST powerful new production performance truck!
???
If in the US or Japan?
*Mickelicious
France's Saab could have been revived by China, but GM blocked it.
viking68
Trump wants to flood Japan with rice that would devistate domestic production. Like usual, he doesn't have a clue.
Sure, the price of rice is inflated and importing rice would reduce costs, but both Japan and the US are strategicly protecting domestic strategic sources, rice for Japan and sugar for the US.
For those who don't know the US' dirty little secret, the US imposess tariffs to support domestic sugar production, which by the way is primarily one family owned business in Florida that has gotten wealthy off of the tariffs (which supports an inflated domestic price) and employs mainly immigrants.
So, Japan's position on rice is similar to the US' position on sugar.
Autos?
The US makes cars that start breaking after 50k miles or are oversized. There isn't much demand for US cars. There are exceptions. Jeeps and Teslas are popular because they put in the effort to market them to rugged poser types and eco types. If the US wanted to export more cars to Japan, then they need to make cars that Japanese want and spend the money to market and enter into the Japan market. Japan doesn't need to reduce its safety requirements to accomodate the US auto makers, just like the US imposes its own safety requirements and crash testing. For example, BMW wouldn't export its touring sedans to the US because BMW would have to destroy too many cars for the safety tests for limited sales.
Not to mention the lack of competition will mean that US autos will get more expensive and worse quality.
Trump's reign of stupidity couldn't come soon enough.
JD
Apparently you don't read the news much huh? China caved after 145% tariff and now they are working on a deal with the US. They tried to be a tough guy but apparently not working with the US.
Most people think the US needs to negotiate with the rest of the world. Wrong!. All the trade deals are already been revealed on liberation day. Take it or leave it. If you don't like it and want to negotiate with the US, then the US will do that so it's up to you, not the US.
okinawarides
The US makes cars that start breaking after 50k miles or are oversized. There isn't much demand for US cars. There are exceptions. Jeeps and Teslas are popular because they put in the effort to market them to rugged poser types and eco types. If the US wanted to export more cars to Japan, then they need to make cars that Japanese want and spend the money to market and enter into the Japan market.
Pretty accurate. Still it is hard to see Japan gaining upper hand in these negotiations. At the same time no doubt the upcoming Japanese elections play a role in the govt wanting to appear as standing up to Trump. When the elections are out of the way, LDP will likely compromise more.
viking68
Regarding Tesla marketing in Japan:
starpunk
Look who's talking. Projectionism is a tool for immature bullies. He has no sense of diplomacy at all. None whatsoever. He's a lippy brat.
He never worked an honest day in his misbegotten life. And with his soul-selling treasonous actions, he has no right whatsoever to even open his juvenile boorish hateful mouth.
quercetum
Let’s be honest—it's not entirely unreasonable for the United States to want to address the trade imbalance. After all, no one likes feeling like they’re constantly footing the bill at dinner, especially when the other party insists on ordering the lobster and champagne.
Now, is it just about making money? Well, yes—welcome to international trade! But the sales trends don’t lie: the Japanese market has spoken, and it’s politely declined the offer of clunky American cars and roaring Harley Davidsons. It’s not snobbery—it’s just good taste and practicality. Trying to force these products onto Japan is a bit like insisting your mate wear cowboy boots to a tea ceremony.
The real issue here isn’t what Japan wants or needs—it’s the trade deficit. The U.S. is saying, “Buy more or sell less,” and frankly, that’s not an outrageous request. Japan, of all countries, knows the value of empathy and perspective-taking. So surely it can understand that a $60 billion imbalance isn’t just a minor hiccup. It’s a full-blown economic nosebleed but this is where Japan gives and take.
If Japan’s response is simply, “We just want to keep making money off you, so don’t hinder us,” then that’s not negotiation—that’s cheeky. Seeking a more balanced trade relationship isn’t protectionism; it’s common sense. Unless, of course, Japan prefers to keep the status quo and play the role of the charming but slightly spoiled dinner guest.
viking68
International trade basics: if a US consumer buys a Japanese auto, the Japanese automaker gets USD. The USD doesn't magically change into JPY. The USD either gets put back into the US by buying US bonds or other investments, or exchanged with another country, who then has the problem of dealing with USD. Trade imbalances are also corrected through exchange rates.
Currently, there is another problem with the USD/JPY exchange rate, cheap money in Japan that is borrowed by US investors to make investments. The interest rate differential creates a flow of funds. Warren Buffett is a good example of using cheap loans. They bought a large piece of the Japanese trading houses by issuing JPY denominated bonds.
Nationalism doesn't lead to intelligent decisions. Sure, state sponsored dumping of goods to the detriment of local production is bad, looking ay China and solar panels, rare earths, steel...., and should be combated. Just waiting for the inflation to hit the US consumers. Don't wish it, but there is a huge chance of a self inflicted depression coming in the US.
quercetum
No, the United States doesn’t just want to flog more cars. It’s not trying to turn Japan into a showroom for Detroit’s finest. What it does want, quite reasonably, is to stop being the perennial loser in the economic tug-of-war. And surely egalitarian Japan, with its deep cultural appreciation for balance and fairness, can empathize.
It reminds me of a charming evening in early Heisei at Mr. Ueno’s house—a gentleman from Hiroshima. He served us fresh oysters, shipped straight from his hometown, and some cracking good beer. We played bridge, poker, and hearts—games we knew well. Poor Mr. Ueno lost every round. Every single one.
At some point, it dawned on me: we’d come into his home, devoured his delicacies, drained his drinks, and then proceeded to trounce him at every game. It wasn’t just impolite—it was downright unsporting. So I eased up, and my mates caught on. We didn’t need to win everything.
That’s the spirit the U.S. is appealing to. Japan exports far more than it imports. It’s not about punishment or tariffs—it’s about restoring a bit of balance before someone flips the table. And Japan, ever suave and sophisticated, surely doesn’t want to be seen as the guest who eats all the food, drinks all the beer, and then insists on winning every hand.
So let’s shuffle the deck, deal fairly, and maybe let the other side win a round or two. It’s only sporting, after all.
quercetum
Except that there is a subtle but critical distinction between trade imbalances and capital account surpluses. While the dollars earned by Japanese exporters may indeed be recycled into U.S. assets, this doesn't necessarily correct the imbalance—it merely shifts it to another ledger. The U.S. ends up financing its deficit through capital inflows, which can be both a blessing and a ticking time bomb, depending on how those funds are deployed.
The caveat is that such financial engineering—à la Warren Buffett’s yen-denominated bond strategy—while brilliant, can mask underlying vulnerabilities. If the yen strengthens unexpectedly or Japan tightens its monetary stance (unlikely, but not impossible), those low-cost loans could become rather less charming.
In British Hong Kong back in the day, we saw how capital inflows driven by interest rate differentials and speculative fervor could inflate asset bubbles. When the tide turned, it wasn’t just the speculators who got soaked—it was the entire financial system. The lesson? Markets may be rational, but they’re rarely predictable.
Cheers to thoughtful trade policy, balanced books, and the hope that cooler heads prevail before someone starts slapping more tariffs
Azzprin
.
Japan is not spoiled
Trump is not getting his way and is having another tantrum.
Some dude
Japan surely doesn't want to live with the stigma of being known as "a country which thought it could deal rationally with Trump". China's already eating their lunch in so many other ways, but to be known as a "country which thought it could deal rationally with Trump" when your neighbour is "a country which had the measure of Trump from the very start of this tariff nonsense", that's going to sting.
bass4funk
They will eventually.
False, trade negotiations are still going on, some have been made, more to come, but there’s no rush, all in good time
They can, but he’s not going to sit there and allow any country friend or to take advantage of the US, that’s not going to happen anymore.
Hardly, not for the U.S. give Japan a little more time
ReasonandWisdomNippon
You know what's not fair?
Plaza Accord 1985.
Over 3 decades of economic stagnation since our hand was forced to sign Japan's economic future away!
Now they want to push Plaza Accord 2.0 on Japan or the Mar-a-Lago Accord which they want to name it.
We did not stand-up to America in the 80s and we signed our economic future away.
We also support America in East Asia, without Japan, helping South Korea or Taiwan would be impossible. Japan plays a crucial role for America's dominance and position in Asia.
Japan always gets a bad deal from America. Trump still thinks Japan cheated USA economically even though that's exactly what America has done to Japan for 3 decades! We're still dealing with the consequences! Moved on to someone else dear Trump.