Japan Holds Firm: No Sacrifice for Agriculture in U.S. Trade Talks

Japan's top envoy made it clear Tuesday that the country's agricultural sector will not be compromised in tariff discussions with the United States. This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized Japan for not purchasing American-grown rice, despite Japan's recent surge in U.S. rice imports.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's government, facing crucial elections, holds agriculture as a cornerstone of national integrity. Economy Minister and chief negotiator Ryosei Akazawa insisted that Japan's stance would remain unchanged in international trade negotiations that risk settling at the expense of its farming sector.

While Trump's comments underscore tensions, Japan continues to manage its imports, capping tariff-free rice imports at 100,000 metric tons yearly. Despite these restraints, Tokyo relaunched its tender for tariff-free rice imports ahead of schedule to abate domestic price hikes, emphasizing its careful balancing act between national and international interests.

(With inputs from agencies.)