Accelerating Countermeasures Including Early Visit to the United States
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is accelerating efforts to devise countermeasures amid the shock caused by U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of reciprocal tariffs.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is responding to questions about U.S. tariff policies at the House of Councillors (Upper House) Budget Committee on the 7th. Photo by Yonhap News
According to local media including the Asahi Shimbun on the 7th, he described the U.S. policy of imposing reciprocal tariffs at the House of Councillors (upper house) Budget Committee as "a crisis that can be called a national disaster," and stated, "I want to visit the United States as soon as possible." He added, "If necessary, I will hold talks with President Trump and will not hesitate," reaffirming his intention to hold a Japan-U.S. summit meeting.
Prime Minister Ishiba is also planning a phone call with President Trump within this week. He said, "The sooner, the better," and "I intend to engage in consultations with the national interest at stake."
On the 5th, Ishiba appeared on a Yomiuri TV program and explained, "The final decision can only be made by President Trump," and "The Japanese government is also preparing concrete proposals to present in the consultations."
The United States has successively announced 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum, 25% tariffs on automobiles, and reciprocal tariffs. Japan has repeatedly emphasized its contribution to the U.S. economy and requested an exemption, but the Trump administration has decided to impose a 24% reciprocal tariff on Japan.
Separately, Prime Minister Ishiba is reportedly considering drafting a supplementary budget to minimize the impact of U.S. tariff policies on the Japanese economy and to respond to high inflation, according to Kyodo News. He has instructed the preparation of the supplementary budget within this month and is pushing for its passage during the regular Diet session ending in late June. Proposed uses for the supplementary budget include support for companies maintaining employment, subsidies for eco-friendly vehicles, and resumption of support for electricity and gas bills.
Japanese government spokesman and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a press conference that the U.S. tariff measures "will have a significant impact on the economic relations between Japan and the United States," and added, "While strongly demanding a review from the United States, we also intend to thoroughly prepare necessary measures such as financial support considering the impact on domestic industries and employment." He further stated, "Despite having conveyed the stance that unilateral tariffs by the United States are unacceptable, it is very regrettable that the U.S. government announced tariff measures."
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