“関税かんぜい25％” 石破いしば首相しゅしょう 国益こくえき守まもる合意ごういへ 交渉こうしょう続つづけるよう指示しじ

President Trump of the United States announced that a 25% tariff would be imposed on imports from Japan starting August 1. In response, Prime Minister Ishiba indicated his understanding that the deadline for the mutual suspension of tariffs had in effect been extended, and instructed his cabinet ministers to continue negotiations to protect the national interest and to reach an agreement that would benefit both Japan and the United States.

President Trump revealed on his social media that he sent a letter to Prime Minister Ishiba stating that a 25% tariff will be imposed on imports from Japan starting August 1.

In response to this, the government held a meeting of the comprehensive task force consisting of all cabinet ministers on the morning of the 8th.

In this, Prime Minister Ishiba said about the Japan-U.S. negotiations so far, At this point, there are still issues on which both sides cannot agree, and unfortunately, we have not reached an agreement.

This is because the Japanese government has continued tough negotiations, avoiding easy compromises, insisting on what should be demanded, and protecting what should be protected.

At the same time, he stated that there has also been progress in discussions through repeated consultations with the American side.

On top of that, regarding the deadline for the temporary suspension of mutual tariffs, he said, It is effectively a continuation, and also an extension of the negotiation period.

We have received a proposal from the American side stating that, depending on Japans response, the content of the letter may be reviewed, and that they would like to promptly proceed with discussions with Japan toward the new deadline of the first of next month, he said.

He also expressed regret over the announcement of the tariff rate increase, and instructed his ministers to: continue negotiations to achieve an agreement that serves the interests of both sides while protecting national interests; carefully assess the responses of other countries and thoroughly analyze the impact on Japan; and take all possible measures to mitigate the impact on domestic industries and employment.

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Muto: Truly Regrettable, Will Fully Assess the Impact and Take All Necessary Measures At a press conference following the Cabinet meeting on the 8th, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Muto stated, The increase in tariff rates is truly regrettable.

There are non-negotiable national interests on both the Japanese and American sides. For example, protecting the interests of the automobile sector, which is a key industry, is in our national interest. I believe we will continue to seek possible agreements in ways that align with our national interests.

According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, in response to the series of tariff measures by the United States, more than 4,200 consultations had been received at about 1,000 consultation offices set up nationwide as of the 4th of this month.

Minister Muto stated, We want to be fully prepared to grasp the impact on domestic industry and employment and to take necessary measures without hesitation, and reiterated his intention to consider additional support measures as needed.

Koizumi, Minister of Agriculture: “We will thoroughly analyze the opinions of businesses and take all possible measures.” At a press conference after the Cabinet meeting, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Koizumi said, “It’s not necessarily 100% certain as of August 1st, so we should continue to take a stance of protecting what Japan needs to protect.”

Additionally, as a result of interviews with businesses regarding the export of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products and food due to U.S. tariff measures, 497 opinions had been received by the 7th, with many expressing that if the tariff rates are set higher than the current levels, it will be impossible to avoid an impact.

Minister Koizumi said, The United States is Japans number one export destination for agricultural, forestry, and fishery products, as well as food.

He said, We would like to thoroughly analyze the opinions of affected businesses and take all necessary measures.

Finance Minister Kato: We will take all possible measures to support cash flow. At a press conference after the Cabinet meeting, Finance Minister Kato stated, I recognize that further discussions will be held and that the U.S. response will also change as part of that process.

On top of that, regarding domestic measures, it is especially necessary to make every effort to support cash flow, among other things.

We will continue to analyze various impacts through financial institutions and other channels, and would like to work together with the relevant ministries regarding necessary measures.