Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Sunday that his government will not “easily compromise” in ongoing trade talks with Washington, as Tokyo seeks to avoid steep tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump.

“We will not easily compromise. That’s why negotiations are taking time and why they’re difficult,” Ishiba said during a televised talk show appearance.

The remarks come as Japan scrambles to reach a deal with the U.S. before a looming July 9 deadline, after which suspended tariffs—of up to 35 percent on Japanese exports could take effect.

In April, President Trump imposed a blanket 10 percent tariff on imports from most trading partners, but temporarily held off on raising duties for selected economies, including Japan, to allow time for bilateral negotiations.

That pause is now set to expire on Wednesday. Trump has recently reiterated his intention to demand tariffs of “30 percent, 35 percent, or whatever the number is that we determine,” citing what he calls an “unfair” trade relationship with Japan. He has repeatedly pressured Tokyo to open its market further to American automobiles and agricultural products, particularly rice.

Japanese trade envoy Ryosei Akazawa has held multiple phone discussions with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in recent days, including on Thursday and Saturday. During the program, Prime Minister Ishiba stressed that Japan should not be treated like other trading partners, highlighting its significant investment in the U.S. economy.

“What is unfair? How is it unfair? We must scrutinize each of the U.S. claims,” he said. “We are allies, but we must speak plainly. Japan is the largest foreign investor and the biggest job creator in the United States. We are different.”

In a separate television appearance the same day, Ishiba said Japan is “preparing to deal with all possible scenarios” in response to the letter President Trump reportedly plans to send, outlining his tariff demands