Japan Moves Quickly, Likely to Become a Priority in Negotiations
Individual Reciprocal Tariffs to Take Effect from the 9th
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on the 7th (local time) that nearly 70 countries have sought negotiations with the United States since the announcement of reciprocal tariff measures, Treasury Secretary Scott Baesant revealed.
In an interview with Fox Business on the same day regarding tariff issues, Secretary Baesant said, "The number of countries approaching us is now between 50 and 60, possibly nearly 70," adding, "It will be a busy April and May negotiating with each country, and probably busy until June as well."
Regarding Japan, which Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru had a phone call with President Trump on the same day and agreed to proceed with ministerial-level follow-up talks, Secretary Baesant said, "Since Japan acted very quickly, I expect Japan to be a priority in the negotiations."
Secretary Baesant further stated, "However, President Trump will have the maximum leverage in negotiations," adding, "He will be willing to start negotiations once he secures the maximum leverage."
President Trump announced reciprocal tariff measures on the 4th, imposing a minimum basic tariff rate of 10% on all countries. The basic 10% tariff has been in effect since the 5th, and individual reciprocal tariff measures on countries classified by the U.S. as so-called 'worst violators,' including South Korea (25%), will take effect on the 9th.
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