Japan may offer the US an increase in rice imports as a bargaining chip

The Japanese government plans to offer the United States to increase imports of American rice and soybeans as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the United States. This was reported by Bloomberg on Saturday, April 19, with reference to the Japanese newspaper The Yomiuri Shimbun.

According to the newspaper, earlier this week, during discussions, Washington criticized Tokyo's export restrictions and its rice distribution system. In addition, the United States called on the Japanese side to increase imports of meat, seafood and potatoes.

Japan's trade tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa began a dialogue on reducing duties with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant this week, the agency said. Preparations are currently underway for the second round of negotiations.

"U.S. officials have also expressed concern about the perceived unfairness of Japanese safety regulations regarding automobiles and the financial burden on the United States associated with supporting Japan's defense efforts," the publication said.

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On April 10, American leader Donald Trump postponed the introduction of duties for 90 days for 75 countries due to the panic of citizens. Bessent, in turn, clarified that almost 70 countries have contacted the presidential administration with a request to hold negotiations on the issue of the duties imposed. According to him, he and U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer are currently negotiating with Japanese officials.