Japan: Japan’s prime minister on Friday rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that Japan refuses to import American rice, stating that Tokyo is indeed purchasing rice from California and urging Washington to recognize this.

According to Anadolu Agency, Shigeru Ishiba, speaking at an event in Fukushima, highlighted that Japan has been actively importing rice from California. He stressed the importance of making this fact clear, especially as Japan faces increasing trade pressure from the US. This pressure includes recent threats from Trump to impose new tariffs, coupled with accusations of unfair practices by Tokyo.

Trump expressed his dissatisfaction on social media, claiming Japan’s reluctance to accept American rice despite an alleged rice shortage. He stated bluntly, “They won’t take our RICE, and yet they have a massive rice shortage.”

Ishiba reiterated Japan’s stance, emphasizing that the country would not compromise its agricultural sector in trade discussions. “As an independent nation, we cann
ot allow rice cultivation to decline due to increased imports,” he asserted.

Currently, Japan is navigating a rice shortage while engaging in trade negotiations with Washington. The situation is further complicated by the US imposing a 25% tariff on Japanese automobile exports, which adds tension to the bilateral talks. Despite these challenges, Ishiba has maintained a firm position, emphasizing that Japan is not in a hurry to reach an agreement with Trump, as evident from their inconclusive mid-June summit.