【速報そくほう中;ちゅう】日本;にっぽんへの相互そうご関税かんぜい15じゅうご％に 日本にっぽん側がわの反応はんのう

Prime Minister Ishiba officially announced that, regarding U.S. tariff measures, an agreement was reached to reduce the additional 25% tariff on automobiles by half, making it 15% when combined with the existing rate.

He emphasized the achievement of realizing an outcome that matched the national interests of both countries.

Ill summarize and share the Japanese sides response.

[Video] Prime Minister Ishibas Comment Prime Minister Ishiba: Ours is the lowest figure among countries with a trade surplus with the United States. On the morning of the 23rd, Prime Minister Ishiba told reporters at the Prime Ministers Office regarding Japan-U.S. negotiations in response to U.S. tariff measures, This time, we have reached an agreement with President Trump on the Japan-U.S. consultations concerning the U.S. tariff measures.

Regarding automobiles and other items that had been the focus, it was agreed to reduce the additional 25% tariff imposed since April this year by half, making the total tariff rate, including the existing rate, 15%. He stated, We were able to achieve a reduction in tariffs on automobiles and auto parts without any quantitative restrictions, ahead of the rest of the world.

Regarding the reciprocal tariffs that were scheduled to be imposed at 25% on the 1st of next month, it was explained that they will be kept at 15%, marking the lowest figure so far among countries with a trade surplus with the United States.

Furthermore, it was also revealed that, for economically important goods such as semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, Japan has secured assurances that, even if tariffs are imposed in the future, it will not be treated less favorably than other countries.

Regarding rice, it is stated that the import ratio will be increased within the framework of the existing minimum access system, taking into consideration the supply and demand situation of rice in Japan, and that there is absolutely nothing in the content that would sacrifice agriculture.

And ever since I proposed investment over tariffs to President Trump at the summit at the White House this February, I have consistently advocated this to the United States and continued to strongly push for it, and this is the result.

We have aimed for an agreement that protects what must be protected while aligning with the national interests of both Japan and the United States.

He emphasized the achievement by saying, We were able to reach exactly such an agreement with President Trump.

Based on the results this time, when asked about his own future, he said, Minister Akazawa will return to Japan and receive a detailed report.

In actually implementing this, the necessary measures will be taken within the U.S. government.

Including that as well, I would like to carefully examine such matters.

Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa: Final instructions from the Prime Minister at the last moment Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa told reporters in Washington, Earlier, I paid a courtesy call on President Trump at the White House, and after about an hour and ten minutes of discussions on tariff measures, we were able to reach an agreement between Japan and the United States.

He said, Right before the courtesy visit to President Trump, I spoke on the phone with Prime Minister Ishiba, received final instructions, and then proceeded to the discussions.

As a result of aiming for an agreement that aligns with the national interests of both Japan and the United States, it was not straightforward and certainly not an easy negotiation, but based on the mutual understanding and trust built through close consultations between Japan and the U.S., we were able to reach an agreement that serves the interests of both countries.

It is a very delightful thing, he said.

At the time I departed from Haneda Airport, it had by no means been decided that I would meet with President Trump.

Since coming here, through discussions with Secretary of Commerce Ratnick and Secretary of the Treasury Bessent, we have reached an agreement to meet with the President, he said.

We agreed to accept American-made passenger cars, which are also safe in the Japanese traffic environment, without additional testing.

It is intended to simplify authentication procedures, but ensuring the safety and security of the public is, of course, a fundamental premise, he said.

When asked by reporters about Prime Minister Ishiba’s future, he replied, “Not just for the Prime Minister, but for any politician, decisions about resignation or staying in office are something they should decide for themselves.”

I shouldnt be the one to say anything about it, he said.

Akazawa, Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization, posts Mission Accomplished on X After meeting with U.S. President Trump, Minister Akazawa posted a message on X, formerly known as Twitter, shortly before 9 a.m. Japan time.

I went to the White House today.

Mission accomplished.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved.

He also shared a photo from last months G7 summit, which was displayed on the landing of the White House stairs, showing Prime Minister Ishiba and President Trump during their summit meeting. He wrote, I found a photo of my boss Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba meeting with President Trump, so I took a commemorative picture.

《Economic Trends》The Nikkei Stock Average rose by more than 1,200 points. On the Tokyo stock market on the 23rd, following the agreement in the Japan-U.S. negotiations, there was a view that the negative impact on the economy would be reduced, leading to a surge in buy orders for export-related stocks such as automobile manufacturers. As a result, the Nikkei Stock Average rose by more than 1,200 points, reaching its highest level during trading hours this year.

The Nikkei Stock Average closed the morning session at 41,053.44 yen, up 1,278.52 yen from the closing price on the 22nd.

Tokyo Stock Price Index, TOPIX is 88

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The trading volume in the morning was 1,540,940,000 shares.

On the other hand, in the Tokyo foreign exchange market, uncertainty about the economic outlook has receded following the Japan-U.S. agreement, and there is a view that the Bank of Japan may take a more positive stance toward raising interest rates. As a result, there has been movement to sell dollars and buy yen, and the yen has temporarily appreciated to the lower 146-yen range against the dollar.

Market participants say, Following the agreement in the Japan-U.S. negotiations, there is speculation in the market that the uncertainty over tariffs has receded and the Bank of Japan may raise interest rates sooner than expected.

However, they said, With the results of the House of Councillors election, there are still concerns in the market about how the government will be managed going forward, resulting in volatile price movements.

Japan Foreign Trade Council Chairman: We appreciate that the business uncertainty has been cleared up. Regarding the Japan-U.S. negotiations over U.S. tariff measures, President Trump revealed that an agreement had been reached. Tatsuo Yasunaga, Chairman of the Japan Foreign Trade Council, which is made up of major trading companies, said, We would like to highly appreciate that the business uncertainty has been cleared up as a major milestone.

In making business activities and investment decisions, the most important point for companies is the stability of policies and the outlook for trade conditions, including tariffs. I would like to commend the progress made in visualizing uncertainties.

On top of that, Chairman Yasunaga said, According to reports, there were also agreements on investments worth $550 billion and on opening up markets for automobiles, rice, and other products, but first of all, I want the overall picture to be clarified as soon as possible.

On top of that, he said, We would like to carefully consider how we, as a private company, can contribute.

Additionally, regarding President Trump’s statement that an agreement has been reached with Japan over LNG liquefied natural gas from Alaska, Chairman Yasunaga said that he would refrain from commenting on individual projects, but added, “There are various issues in the United States, such as environmental regulations and labor force problems, and unless a considerably careful feasibility study is conducted, it will not lead to a final investment decision.”

At this point, I am unfortunately not aware of any investigations that would allow us to determine whether we should proceed to the next stage, and I believe that it is something that should be prepared by the countries that have the resources.

Automotive industry insiders: While they appreciate the agreement to set tariffs on automobiles, including existing rates, at 15%, some executives at car manufacturers commented, This is the result of government officials negotiating persistently, but the situation remains tough.

Im grateful that the tax rate has decreased significantly, and I appreciate it.

I would like them to continue making adjustments toward abolishment, but I am grateful to the government, he said.

Additionally, a representative from another automobile manufacturer stated, The tax rate remains high, so the situation is still tough, but also expressed the view that since the uncertainty is gone, it might become easier to do business.

Extra editions of newspapers were distributed in front of Nagoya Station regarding the agreement reached in the Japan-U.S. talks on American tariff measures. Starting a little after 11 a.m., extra editions of newspapers were handed out in front of Nagoya Station.

A man in his 40s who works for a company and received the extra edition said, It took a long time, but Im glad they were able to reach an agreement.

Since I have many business partners related to imports, I was worried about what would happen.

I think that lowering tariffs will also lead to better performance for our own company, they said.

A woman in her 80s said, Aichi Prefecture is a manufacturing city, starting with Toyota, so its good that tariffs have been lowered.

I hope it will help boost the Japanese economy, he said.

Government Response Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi: With the deadline approaching, both countries considered their national interests and reached an agreement. At a press conference this morning, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi said, This agreement was reached with the national interests of both countries in mind, as the deadline for the mutual tariff increases from the 1st of next month was approaching.

It is an extremely important agreement from the perspective of our countrys economic security, he said.

On the other hand, regarding the handling of the 50% tariff rate imposed on steel products and aluminum, he stated that this was not included in the current agreement, and added, We will continue to hold thorough discussions between Japan and the United States on a series of tariff measures, including those on steel products and aluminum.

When asked whether the agreement on U.S. tariff measures would influence Prime Minister Ishibas decision regarding his position, he stated, That is a matter for the Prime Minister to decide, and I am not in a position to answer.

On top of that, Prime Minister Ishiba has stated, We must fulfill our responsibility as the leading party to prevent political stagnation, as well as our responsibility to the nation and its people.

Minister Akazawa, in charge of economic revitalization, returns to Japan and receives a detailed report on the tariff negotiations.

In implementing the agreement, necessary measures will be taken within the U.S. government, and we will thoroughly examine such matters, including those aspects, he explained.

Saito, the Constitutional Democratic Partys Director of the House of Councillors Diet Affairs Committee, said, Proper deliberation is necessary in the extraordinary Diet session. Saito told reporters, I dont think the contents of the agreement are sufficient.

Why did the figure of 15% come up, what kind of discussions took place, and whether this is not something that would ultimately harm the national interest—these are points that need to be carefully examined.

He stated, Proper deliberation is necessary at the extraordinary Diet session.

</blockquote> Experts say Japans GDP will be around 0 for about a year.

Nomura Research Institutes Executive Economist, Takashi Kiuchi, estimates that Japans GDP—gross domestic product—could be pushed down by 0.55% in about a year due to U.S. tariff measures, including the mutually agreed 15% tariffs and a 15% automobile tariff in U.S.-Japan negotiations.

It is estimated that it will be reduced by 55%.

Regarding this, Mr. Kiuchi said, Not only were the mutual tariffs reduced, but also the additional tariffs on automobiles were lowered, which probably means that the Trump administration made a significant concession to the Japanese side.

It had been estimated that there would be an 85% reduction, so looking at the contents of the agreement, it can be considered that the impact on the Japanese economy will be somewhat mitigated, he pointed out.

However, Mr. Kiuchi said, Even though the tax rate has been reduced, a 15% tariff on automobiles will still have a certain negative impact on the automobile industry and the Japanese economy.

In addition, he stated, If the U.S. government continues its America First policy, business risks will remain high, so there may be moves to slow down investments in the U.S. or shift the focus of business to other regions such as Europe.

Reporter’s Commentary