US President Donald Trump said the United States may not reach a trade deal with Japan, just days before a key tariff deadline. His comments came as the 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs is about to expire.

Trump Casts Doubt on a Deal

Speaking about ongoing trade talks, Trump said, “We’ve dealt with Japan. I’m not sure if we’re gonna make a deal, I doubt it, with Japan.” He criticized Japan and other countries for having benefited from trade with the US for decades. According to him, “they and others are so spoiled from having ripped us off for 30, 40 years that it’s really hard for them to make a deal.”

Japan Was Part of Temporary Tariff Pause

In April, Trump gave several countries a break from the planned reciprocal tariffs, including Japan. At the time, Japan was facing the risk of a 24% tariff, but instead, Trump placed those on China. However, after the pause, Japan still had to pay a universal 10% tariff.

Rice and Car Disputes

Trump recently warned of higher tariffs on Japan, claiming they refuse to buy American rice. He expressed frustration over the issue during a visit by Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, who was in Washington for a Quad meeting with officials from India and Australia.

At the same time, Ryosei Akazawa, Japan’s lead negotiator, had made his seventh trip to Washington for trade talks. Although Japan remains an important ally in East Asia, Trump’s aggressive stance on trade has strained ties.

US Unhappy With Trade Imbalance

Trade talks have included various sectors like energy, defense, and shipbuilding. Japan offered to buy more US energy and defense gear, and to help with American shipbuilding. Still, Washington remains unsatisfied.

Trump’s major complaint is that Japan won’t import enough US rice. Additionally, he finds it unfair that Americans buy more Japanese cars while Japan imports very few American-made vehicles.

According to Trump and his trade team, Japan’s different safety standards make it hard for American cars to compete there. But some experts believe Japanese buyers simply prefer local, compact cars.

Deadline Will Not Be Extended

On Tuesday, Trump said he will not extend the deadline for trade talks. He made the comment while flying back to Washington from Florida. “We’ve dealt with Japan. I’m not sure we’re going to make a deal. I doubt it,” he told reporters on Air Force One.