As Tokyo seeks to avert the US’ threat to impose tariffs of up to 35 per cent on Japanese goods, Prime Minister Ishiba stressed that Japan, as the biggest investor nation in the US economy, should be treated differently from other countries.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Sunday (Jul 6) that he won’t “easily compromise” in talks with Washington as Tokyo seeks to avert United States President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs of up to 35 per cent on Japanese goods.
“We will not easily compromise. That’s why it is taking time and why it is tough,” Ishiba told a television talk show.
His comments came as Japan rushes to negotiate with the Trump administration before the Wednesday deadline for trade deals.
While Trump imposed a sweeping 10 per cent tariff on imports from most trading partners in April, he unveiled – then paused – higher rates on dozens of economies, including Japan, to allow room for negotiations.
Trump has said he was going to write a letter to Japan, asking it to “pay a 30 per cent, 35 per cent or whatever the number is that we determine,” and called the bilateral trade relation “unfair”.
He has particularly pressed Japan to accept more US automobiles and rice.
Ryosei Akazawa, Tokyo’s trade envoy, held telephone calls with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Thursday and Saturday.
Source: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/japan-pm-says-wont-easily-compromise-trump-tariffs-5222901
