Trump said Japan’s rate could end up at “30%, 35%,” which would be substantially higher than the 24% initially set when widespread tariffs were announced on April 2.

He said Japan could face a tariff of 30 to 35 percent if no deal is made, higher than the 24 percent reciprocal tariff Trump had originally imposed, and then paused, in early April. The tariff pause ends on July 9.

Japan on Wednesday declined to comment on US President Donald Trump's latest tariff threat and pledged to continue "sincere" talks with Washington, according to local media reports.