Japan to Trump: “We Won’t Sacrifice Our Farmers in Trade Deal
(Source: Reuters)
Here’s the simple breakdown of the growing trade tension between Japan and America:
🌾 The Rice Dispute
- Trump complained: Japan isn’t buying enough US rice (via Truth Social post)
- Japan responded: “Agriculture is our foundation” – Economy Minister (Reuters report)
- Real numbers: Japan already bought 25,541 tons of US rice this June
đźš— The Bigger Trade War
- US wants Japan to buy more farm products
- Japan wants US to drop 25% car tariffs before July 9 deadline
- Tough timing: Japan has elections July 20
đź“Š Why This Matters
âś” Japanese farmers = powerful voting group
âś” US rice farmers want more market access
âś” Car prices could rise if no deal is reached
Key Quote:
“We will not engage in talks that sacrifice agriculture”
- Japan’s top trade negotiator (to Reuters)
🍚 Rice Reality Check
- Japan does import US rice (81,853 tons requested recently)
- But strict rules: Only 100,000 tons/year come tariff-free
- Extra imports face $2.37/kg tax
(Source: Reuters)