Japan Vows to Keep Talking Despite Trump’s ’Truly Regrettable’ New Tariffs—Will Trade Wars Spark a Crypto Haven Rush?

Trade tensions flare as Japan slams Trump's latest tariffs—but refuses to walk away from the negotiating table. Here's why crypto traders are watching closely.

Geopolitical chess or economic self-sabotage? Tokyo's delicate dance with protectionism comes as Bitcoin quietly tests $200K.

Meanwhile, traditional markets wobble—another reminder that fiat systems play by political rules while decentralized assets write their own.

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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