• Trump doubts a trade deal with Japan, threatening tariffs of 30-35%.
• Japan's Prime Minister emphasizes national interests amid negotiations.
• Current tariffs on Japan include a 10% baseline with additional rates on vehicles.
• The July 9 deadline looms, with trade talks continuing but without resolution.

President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism regarding the viability of a trade agreement between the United States and Japan, stating, "I'm not sure we're going to make a deal. I doubt it" during a recent interaction aboard Air Force One. He further threatened to impose tariffs ranging from 30% to 35% on Japanese imports if an accord is not achieved before the looming July 9 deadline, signifying an intention to escalate trade tensions with Tokyo, which he viewed as a historically "spoiled" trading partner, according to Channel News Asia, BBC, and India Times.

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has remarked on the country’s determination to protect its national interests while engaging in these challenging trade negotiations. Ishiba noted that Japan, being the largest investor in the U.S., prioritizes investment over tariffs. He emphasized the importance of not compromising the agriculture sector during these discussions, especially as they pertain to U.S. rice imports, a focal point of Trump's latest criticisms, reported Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Trump's tariffs, which could significantly affect Japanese exports including vehicles, are compounded by existing duties of up to 25% on automobiles and 50% on metals. This increase comes after an initial 10% tariff on most imports from Japan was paused to allow for negotiations, but the July deadline for these tariffs to be reinstated is approaching fast, creating urgency in the talks as reflected in comments from both U.S. and Japanese officials, according to India Times and Newsweek.

As the deadline nears, Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kazuhiko Aoki confirmed that Japan is continuing its trade negotiations “sincerely and earnestly” despite the tensions. However, he refrained from commenting on Trump's specific remarks calling Japan "spoiled," highlighting Japan's strategy to remain focused on negotiations without responding to every statement from U.S. officials. Aoki's comments underline Japan's intent to navigate the ongoing trade talks without escalating rhetoric, noted Anadolu Agency and Al Jazeera.