Why It Matters Early on, Trump had expressed optimism about the potential for a quick trade deal with Japan, as he sought to renegotiate terms with dozens of countries during his reciprocal tariff pause.

US President Donald Trump cast doubt on reaching a trade deal with Japan, a day after threatening higher tariffs on Japanese exports to the United States, claiming the country won’t buy American rice.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a trade deal with Vietnam a day after he said a similar deal with Japan is unlikely.