Japanese Yen Weakens as Tariff Tensions Deepen
The Japanese yen slipped past 147 per dollar on Wednesday, marking its third consecutive session of losses as trade negotiations between the US and Japan showed signs of strain, particularly over Japan’s rice market protections.
The decline followed US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on Japanese goods, set to take effect on August 1. Trump emphasized that there would be no revisions or delays to the newly imposed tariffs, which target 14 countries in total.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called the latest measures “truly regrettable,” but affirmed Japan’s commitment to continue talks with Washington in search of a mutually beneficial resolution. Meanwhile, Bank of Japan board member Junko Koeda noted the central bank is closely watching for potential second-round effects on core inflation, particularly from rising food prices including rice.
Source: Trading Economics