Negotiations have stalled ahead of next week’s deadline, with some suggesting Japan misjudged the depth of President Trump’s frustration over Tokyo’s policies.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Wednesday he was determined to protect his country's national interests as trade negotiations with the U.S. struggled and President Donald Trump threatened even higher tariff rates on the Asian ally.

The U.S. is preparing to send Japan a letter outlining a new tariff rate for the nation, President Trump said Monday, despite months of intensive negotiations between the countries aimed at averting higher tariffs.