Ishiba: "Retaliatory Tariffs on the US Do Not Lead to Japan's National Interest"

"Retaliatory Tariffs Not Being Considered at This Time"

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reaffirmed his negative stance on retaliatory tariffs in response to the U.S. tariff measures, stating that such retaliation "does not lead to Japan's benefit."

According to Kyodo News on the 14th, Prime Minister Ishiba said at the House of Representatives Budget Committee held that day, regarding retaliatory tariffs, "I am not completely against it, but I am not considering it at this point."

Shigeru Ishiba, Prime Minister of Japan. Photo by Reuters and Yonhap News.

Regarding negotiations between the ministers in charge of both countries over the U.S. tariff measures set to intensify this week, Ishiba expressed an attitude of avoiding hasty conclusions, saying, "I do not think it is good to quickly wrap up the negotiations." He also said about U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff remarks and intentions, "I want to analyze them as precisely as possible, to the extent that there is nothing left to analyze."

Ryosei Akazawa, Minister for Economic Revitalization, designated as Japan's chief negotiator for the bilateral tariff talks, is scheduled to visit the U.S. starting on the 16th to meet with counterparts including U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamison Greer.

Regarding the ruling party's recent discussions on nationwide cash payments as an economic measure against the U.S. tariff actions and high inflation, Ishiba said, "I do not think it is a giveaway aimed at elections," and added, "We need to properly consider the funding."