Trade Talks Stalled as U.S. Seeks Increased Rice Imports from Japan
Bilateral trade negotiations between the U.S. and japan have hit a snag following a request from the Trump administration for japan to increase its purchases of American rice. Japanese officials reportedly “strongly objected” to the condition,leading to the postponement of a planned trip to the U.S. by Japan’s top trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa.
The issue centers around a revised presidential order that, according to the Nikkei newspaper, includes a commitment from Japan to buy more U.S. rice. One Japanese official described the proposal as an “interference in domestic affairs.”
While a July agreement outlined a potential 75% increase in U.S. rice purchases by Japan, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba clarified at the time that this would occur within an existing tariff-free framework and would not negatively impact Japanese agriculture. The current demand appears to contradict that understanding, as it seeks a commitment beyond the previously agreed-upon terms.
Akazawa’s trip was intended to finalize Japan’s agreement to a $550 billion investment package involving U.S.-bound investment through government-backed loans and guarantees. Though, details of this package remain undisclosed. Japanese officials have consistently stated they require an amended executive order removing overlapping tariffs on japanese goods before a joint document detailing the investment can be released.
The lack of a formal, written agreement has drawn criticism from opposition leader Yuichiro Tamaki, who questioned the government’s openness and competence. ”Because there is no written agreement,we cannot confirm what the problem is,” Tamaki,head of the Democratic Party for the People,posted on X.He further urged a parliamentary description, citing concerns about the impact on Japan’s auto industry and the need for legislative approval for any new agricultural concessions.
Representatives from Akazawa’s office, the agriculture and foreign ministries, and the U.S. embassy were unavailable for comment outside of buisness hours.
© Thomson Reuters 2025
