Trump threatens Japan with up to 35% tariff ahead of deadline

Washington: US President Donald Trump said Tuesday a trade deal with Japan was unlikely before the July 9 deadline, threatening to raise tariffs on Ja...

Washington: US President Donald Trump said Tuesday a trade deal with Japan was unlikely before the July 9 deadline, threatening to raise tariffs on Japanese imports to 30 or 35 percent.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump criticized Japan's reluctance to accept imports of US rice, as well as the imbalance in auto trade between the two countries.

"I'm not sure we're going to make a deal," Trump said. "I doubt it with Japan, they're very tough."

While Trump imposed a sweeping 10 percent tariff on imports from most trading partners in April, he unveiled -- then paused -- higher rates on dozens of economies to allow room for negotiations.

This pause expires July 9, meaning the elevated rates are due to kick in next week if countries fail to reach agreements with Washington to avert them.