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, though Trump has touted flexibility on the deadline.

Japanese carmakers have largely absorbed the cost of US President Donald Trump’s tariffs on auto imports, a move that may undermine the Asian nation’s negotiating power ahead of a July 9 deadline that will see duties rocket even higher.

Trump on Tuesday said a deal with Tokyo is unlikely in the next few weeks. He then said Japan’s rate could end up at “30%, 35% or whatever the number is that we determine.” This is higher than the 24% initially set for the country when widespread tariffs were announced on April 2.