Shigeru Ishiba vows to defend Japan's interests via trade, responds to U.S. tariff threats

Trump Threatens Higher Tariffs on Combined air handling unitJapan

On July 1 local time, US President Trump threatened to impose higher tariffs on Japanese exports in discussions about US-Japan trade, with rates possibly reaching "30%, 35%, or any level the US decides." Trump accused a significant trade deficit between the US and Japan, saying Japan is "not proactive enough" in purchasing American goods, especially in the automotive and rice sectors.

In April, Trump announced the imposition of "reciprocal tariffs" on all trade partners, with rates varying based on trade deficits with the US. Japan, a traditional ally, has already been subjected to a 24% reciprocal tariff and now faces pressure for further increases.

Shigeru Ishiba Responds: Firmly Defending National Interests

On July 2, in a public debate before the House of Councillors election, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba responded to Trump's tariff threats. He emphasized Japan will firmly defend its national interests and remain committed to maintaining cooperation with the US through trade and investment relationships.

"Japan is different from other countries; we are the largest overseas investor in the US, creating numerous jobs there," Ishiba stated. "We value investment and trade, not tariffs, and we will continue to defend Japan's national interests based on this foundation."

Ishiba pointed out that Japan prioritizes its national interests and standards when importing goods and "will not be forced to purchase items unsuitable for the Japanese market due to political pressure."

Auto Tariffs a Focal Point in US-Japan Negotiations

Among the threatened tariffs, a 25% tariff on Japanese automobiles and parts is the key contentious issue in negotiations. The automotive industry is a crucial pillar of Japan’s economy and a primary source of the US-Japan trade deficit. The Trump administration hopes to reduce the deficit by imposing tariffs to encourage Japan to increase purchases of American goods.

Ishiba responded that the limited sales of American cars in Japan are due to "their left-hand drive design, large size, and high fuel consumption, which do not suit the Japanese market and road environment." He expressed Japan's willingness to discuss how to adapt products to the Japanese market while ensuring they meet Japanese safety standards.

Japan to Promote Domestic Demand and Diverse Exports to Counter Tariff Impact

Latest data show that Japan’s automobile exports to the US in May dropped by 24.7% in value compared to the previous year, but the export quantity only decreased by 3.9%. This indicates that Japanese automakers are maintaining export volumes through price reductions, resulting in squeezed profit margins.

Ishiba stated that Japan will adopt a "dual approach" strategy to address the risk of increased US tariffs. "If exports to the US decrease, Japan will compensate for losses by expanding domestic demand and exploring other overseas markets, while continuing to create jobs in the US to maintain economic cooperation between the two nations."

Intensified US-Japan Trade Tensions Pose Risks

Progress in US-Japan trade negotiations is slow, and Trump's renewed pressure for higher tariffs has drawn significant attention from Japanese political and business sectors. Analysts warn that if an agreement is not reached by July 9, the tariff costs for Japanese export industries will significantly increase, impacting the yen's exchange rate, manufacturing exports, and corporate profitability.

As global trade tensions continue to escalate, the uncertainty in US-Japan economic relations might influence Japanese companies' investment and production decisions. The outcome of negotiations in the coming weeks and the Trump administration’s stance will determine whether US-Japan trade frictions escalate further.

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