Trump Slams Japanese Cars Before Bessent Meeting

() — U.S. President Donald Trump once more criticized the trade deficit in automobiles between the U.S. and Japan on Sunday, just before Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to travel to the Asian nation, which might increase pressure on the small governing party.

"They purchase hundreds of millions of vehicles annually from us. We don't sell them any cars since they refuse to take ours. Additionally, they aren't accepting much of our agricultural products," Trump said to journalists in Washington.

Last week, Trump stated that he plans to implement uniform tariffs of 25% on Japanese imports starting August 1, following several months of discussions between Japan's lead negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, and Trump's team with minimal success. Bessent, who is among the three officials overseeing U.S. initiatives for international trade agreements, is scheduled to travel to Japan to attend the World Expo in Osaka on July 19, yet there have been no indications of a... trade meeting by the side for now.

Approximately 80% of Japan's trade surplus with the U.S. comes from vehicles and auto components, and the nation has already faced 25% targeted tariffs on automobiles. Although Trump has often criticized Japanese buyers for not purchasing American cars, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has said American vehicles are typically designed with left-hand driving, have a substantial size, and consume more gasoline, which makes them less appealing in this region.

Bessent's visit coincides with an upper house election that may lead to significant setbacks for Ishiba's minority administration. According to surveys carried out by public broadcaster NHK, approximately 9% of respondents indicated that the tariff discussions will influence their voting decisions.

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