Japan’s PM Pledges Protection of Nation’s Interests in U.S. Tariff Negotiations

(MENAFN) Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba underscored the critical need to protect Japan’s national interests in ongoing tariff talks after the United States threatened to ramp up duties on Japanese goods.

Addressing a party leader debate on Wednesday, Ishiba pointed out that Japan, as the largest investor in the U.S. and a major job creator, occupies a unique position in the trade landscape. It’s "a different case from other countries," he emphasized, highlighting Japan’s economic contributions to the U.S.

While acknowledging the need to address the U.S. trade deficit, Ishiba stressed that the key to a lasting solution lies in investment rather than imposing tariffs.

These comments came amid growing concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump's growing frustration with the talks, with Trump suggesting the possibility of further raising tariffs on Japanese goods to as high as 30 percent or even 35 percent.

Currently, Japan faces a 25 percent U.S. tariff on automobiles and auto parts, along with a 50 percent tariff on steel and aluminum imports. Despite multiple rounds of high-level negotiations, Japan has struggled to make headway in securing exemptions.

In 2024, Japan’s automobile exports to the U.S. represented 28.3 percent of its total exports to the country. The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association reported that about 1.37 million vehicles were shipped to the U.S. last year.

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