Japan will continue dialogue despite ‘truly regrettable’ new Trump tariffs

The government of Japan has slammed the latest tariff hike from US President Donald Trump, calling the action “truly regrettable” and warning that trade tensions could escalate if negotiations fail to gain traction.

The statement was made by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Tuesday morning during a closed-door meeting with cabinet ministers, just hours after Trump posted the actual tariff letters to his Truth Social page.

The updated directive sets a 25% levy on Japanese goods, effective August 1, replacing the 24% rate floated in April. According to reporting from local Japanese media, Ishiba confirmed the country will remain in talks with Washington and hinted the US might revise the decision depending on how Japan responds in the coming weeks.

“Depending on Japan’s response, the content of the letter could be revised,” he said at the meeting. But until something changes, the new rate is in place, and Japan joins a growing list of US trade partners that have voiced anger or confusion over the White House’s strategy.

South Korea pushes for exemptions during DC visit

The White House released screenshots of more than a dozen tariff letters on Monday, with each country getting its own updated rate. These posts confirmed that negotiations will continue until August 1, but also made clear that only serious offers would prompt a revision. The documents said that “the US could consider adjusting the new tariff levels” depending on each country’s proposed terms.

While Japan is bracing for impact, South Korea is trying to prevent its own situation from getting worse. The 20% tariff on South Korean imports, which Trump also announced in April, hasn’t changed.

But it hasn’t gone away either. According to Yonhap News, South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy issued a statement saying the government would “swiftly resolve trade uncertainties” through new talks.

Trade Minister Yeo Han-Koo traveled to Washington this week and met with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, asking for lower tariffs on steel, automobiles, and other goods. No new announcements followed that meeting though.

Other countries react with frustration, zero progress

Outside of Japan and South Korea, other Asian economies are facing similar pressure. Thailand’s Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said he was “a little shocked” by the latest rate, which stayed at 36%, one of the highest ever. He added that he believed it might still fall before the deadline if talks continue. But for now, no adjustments have been made.

Malaysia is also caught in this round of duties. Its tariff rate went up to 25% from 24%, and the government confirmed it’s not walking away from negotiations. A statement from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry said, “Malaysia is committed to continuing engagement with the US towards a balanced, mutually beneficial, and comprehensive trade agreement.”

In Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa criticized the 30% tariff levied by Trump, saying it didn’t reflect actual trade conditions. In a post on X, Ramaphosa wrote that “77% of US goods entered the country with zero tariff,” and called for a fair and balanced trade relationship. He confirmed South Africa will continue diplomatic efforts to challenge the number.

Trade analysts are skeptical that these efforts will result in much change. Deborah Elms, head of trade policy at the Hinrich Foundation, said, “ASEAN members that worked hard to develop packages received almost all the same treatment as countries that either did not fly to DC or were not invited to meet.”

She added that Trump might still be targeting Asian countries because of concerns over regional supply chains linked to China.

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