Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reiterated his stance on Sunday, emphasizing his objective to eliminate all tariffs in future trade negotiations with the United States. Speaking on a Fuji Television morning program, Ishiba highlighted that “discussions have gradually come together,” and expressed that Japan’s relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump remains “surprisingly good”.
However, Ishiba critiqued Washington’s recent agreement with London, announced Thursday, which reduces duties on British car exports while maintaining a 10% baseline tariff. He labeled it as “one model” for trade deals but insisted that Japan’s goal should be achieving 0% tariffs across the board.
Pointing out that high auto import tariffs increase the cost of cars for U.S. consumers, Ishiba argued, “For the sake of the American economy as well, shouldn’t those tariffs be lowered?”
In response to Trump’s remarks on Friday, in which the U.S. president reaffirmed that the U.S. would retain a 10% baseline tariff even after trade agreements, Ishiba maintained that the Japanese government should push for the elimination of tariffs. Trump also noted that exemptions could apply when countries offer “significant trade terms”.
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Currently, Japan faces a 25% tariff on key auto exports to the U.S., along with a reciprocal 24% tariff on other Japanese goods. Ishiba underscored the importance of reviewing such measures to improve economic ties between the two nations.
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On the issue of domestic fiscal policy, Ishiba also addressed the ongoing debate about a proposed reduction in Japan’s consumption tax. “If we suddenly lower the consumption tax, what happens to the country’s finances?” he said, urging caution. “We have to think if there aren’t other ways that we can help those who are truly in need.”
