U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday firmly signaled that he has no intention of extending the looming July 9 deadline for nations to strike trade deals with the United States, casting fresh doubt on the possibility of reaching an agreement with Japan and reviving threats of steep tariffs.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as he returned from a visit to Florida, Trump delivered a pessimistic outlook on ongoing negotiations with Tokyo.
“We’ve dealt with Japan. I’m not sure we’re going to make a deal. I doubt it,” he said, indicating a breakdown in talks despite prior engagement between both countries.
The president’s remarks come just weeks after he announced a 24% tariff on certain Japanese imports on April 2—a move he later suspended pending the outcome of further negotiations. However, his latest comments suggest he is considering a much harsher economic penalty.
“I could go 30% or 35% or whatever the number is that we determine,” Trump said, referring to potential tariffs on Japanese goods.
Trump’s hardened stance raises the stakes for Japan and other U.S. trading partners as the July deadline approaches. His administration has increasingly used tariffs as leverage to extract more favorable trade terms and to push allies into bilateral deals more aligned with U.S. interests.
The renewed threat of higher tariffs also risks escalating tensions with key allies and could disrupt global supply chains, especially in the auto and electronics sectors where Japanese exports dominate.
As the clock ticks down to July 9, economic observers and foreign governments will be watching closely to see whether Trump’s tariff threats are a negotiation tactic—or a prelude to a full-blown trade confrontation.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
President Trump has ruled out extending the July 9 trade deal deadline and signaled a likely breakdown in talks with Japan, warning of possible tariffs as high as 35% on Japanese imports.
