U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Korea, the European Union (EU), and Japan are pushing to open their markets to reduce the high tariffs imposed by the United States.
On the 13th (local time), according to foreign media, President Trump met with reporters at Andrews Joint Base near Washington, D.C., and said, "Korea wants to enter into a (trade) agreement" and "Korea is paying substantial tariffs."
He continued, "The EU wants to open its market," and noted, "Japan's situation is more restrictive. Japan sells us millions of cars, but we can hardly sell cars to Japan." However, he did not disclose the specific progress of tariff negotiations with each country.
According to the Kyodo News, President Trump mentioned regarding the 25% tariff rate imposed on Japan, "It could change, or it might not." He expressed his dissatisfaction that Japan has been passive in purchasing U.S. cars and agricultural products, while stating, "Japan is rapidly changing its (negotiation) stance."
In an official letter sent to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on the 7th, President Trump informed that starting from the 1st of next month, a reciprocal tariff of 25%, increased by 1 percentage point from the previous rate, will be imposed on Japan. The same 25% will be applied to Korea, while the EU will face a 30% tariff, increased by 20 percentage points from the previous rate.
President Trump's remarks that day are seen as reaffirming his intention to induce market openings in the counterparts through pressure from high tariffs.