Trade

Japan’s Trade Strategy Tested as Trump Pushes for Quick Deals

Vehicles bound for shipment at Nagoya Port in Japan.Photographer: Fred Mery/Bloomberg

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By Yoshiaki Nohara, Sakura Murakami, and Alastair Gale

July 1, 2025 at 11:30 AM UTC

Updated on

July 2, 2025 at 1:07 AM UTC

Japan’s efforts to maintain a steady, friendly approach to trade negotiations are being tested as President Donald Trump ramps up pressure for a deal ahead of a looming tariff deadline.

With higher US tariffs set to take effect on July 9, Tokyo’s cautious strategy has yet to deliver a breakthrough, raising the risk that it could become an easy target in the Trump administration’s push for fast wins.