Trump tariffs: Japan PM says will aim for deal to benefit both countries; vows to protect 'national interests'
Following US President Donald Trump's
announcement of 25 per cent tariffs
on goods from Japan and South Korea, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Tuesday said his government would hold discussions with the United States for a deal which to benefit both the countries.
However, Ishiba asserted that Japan's national interests would not be compromised.
"I chaired the Comprehensive Response Headquarters for US Tariff Measures. Towards the new deadline of August 1, the government will act with unity to engage in Japan-US consultations and aim for an agreement that will benefit both countries," the PM's Office quoted Ishiba as saying.
"...while protecting our national interests to ensure that we pursue what should be pursued, and protect what should be protected by refraining from making hasty decisions.
We will also take every possible measure to mitigate the impact on domestic industries and employment," he added.
— JPN_PMO (@JPN_PMO)
Earlier, Trump cited persistent "trade imbalances" with Japan and South Korea to impose tariffs on America's two crucial allies in Asia.
The US president posted letters on his Truth Social platform addressing the leaders of both countries. The letters warned them to not retaliate by increasing their own import taxes, or else Washington would increase import taxes that could damage the auto and electronics sectors of the Asian powerhouses.
'If for any reason you decide to raise your Tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 25 per cent that we charge,' Trump wrote in the letters to Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.
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