Trump Threatens Japan With New Tariffs Over Rice—Despite Ongoing U.S. Exports

President Donald Trump is once again raising trade tensions—this time with Japan—by threatening new tariffs over what he claims is Tokyo’s refusal to buy American-grown rice.

“They won’t take our RICE, and yet they have a massive rice shortage,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “In other words, we’ll just be sending them a letter, and we love having them as a Trading Partner for many years to come.”

But here’s the catch: Japan is buying U.S. rice.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Japan purchased $298 million worth of American rice last year and another $114 million between January and April of this year. So, Trump’s claim that Japan “won’t take” American rice doesn’t match up with trade data.

What’s Really Behind the Complaint?

Sources familiar with Trump’s thinking suggest he may be referring to long-standing frustrations with Japan’s tightly regulated rice market. A 2021 U.S. Trade Representative report during the Biden administration criticized Japan’s rice import system as “highly regulated and nontransparent,” saying it limits access for U.S. exporters.

Still, Japan hasn’t publicly stated any intention to cut off U.S. rice imports.

When asked about Trump’s remarks, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed that trade talks between the two nations are ongoing but declined to comment directly on Trump’s post.

“While we refrain from disclosing the specifics of our discussions with the U.S., Japan will continue to vigorously pursue sincere and honest discussions with the aim of achieving an agreement that will benefit both Japan and the U.S.,” Hayashi said Tuesday.

The Bigger Picture: “Reciprocal” Tariffs in Play

Trump’s rice comments come as part of a broader push to pressure trade partners. Earlier this year, he paused the implementation of his proposed “reciprocal” tariffs—a plan to match U.S. tariffs with those that other countries place on American goods. That 90-day pause is set to expire on July 9, and what happens next remains unclear.

In a recent Fox News interview, Trump said he plans to send warning letters to foreign governments about potential tariff hikes. He singled out Japan during the interview, joking:

“Dear Mr. Japan, here’s the story: You’re going to pay a 25% tariff on your cars.”

Before the pause, Japanese car exports were briefly hit with a 24% tariff. During the pause, those exports have been subject to a universal 10% rate.

Talks Still Underway

Despite the rhetoric, negotiations with Japan haven’t collapsed. White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett told reporters Monday that discussions are still in progress.

“Nothing is over,” Hassett said. “I know what he just posted, but there’ll still be discussions right up till the end. Even if we get a framework, then there’s still gonna be things to finalize.”

As the July 9 deadline approaches, Japan—and other countries—are left waiting to see if Trump follows through with another round of tariff hikes, or if cooler heads will prevail.