関税かんぜい交渉こうしょう トランプ氏し発言はつげんに客観きゃっかん的てきデータで 首相しゅしょうは東南アジアとうなんあじあへ

Regarding the U.S. tariff measures, the Japanese government states that President Trump has repeatedly made statements that are contrary to the facts, including those related to automobile safety standards.

I would like to proceed with the negotiations carefully while presenting objective data and find a common ground that leads to mutual benefits.

Prime Minister Ishiba is coordinating plans to visit Vietnam and the Philippines next week to hold summit meetings with each countrys leaders.

In relation to the Japan-U.S. negotiations over U.S. tariff measures, President Trump cited the bowling ball test in Japan as an example of a non-tariff barrier concerning automobile safety standards on social media.

During his first term, Mr. Trump claimed that in Japan, if a bowling ball is dropped on the bonnet and it dents, it fails the test, and he reiterated his argument. However, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism states that no such test exists.

In addition, the government states that President Trump has repeatedly made statements that are not factual regarding the tariff rates on American rice and the trade deficit with Japan.

Furthermore, in terms of security, Prime Minister Ishiba stated on the 21st, The notion that America protects Japan, but Japan does not protect America is a misconception.

We will approach the negotiations with the position of having a proper understanding of the facts, he stated.

The government aims to find common ground that benefits both Japan and the United States, such as expanding investment and employment, by proceeding with negotiations carefully while presenting objective data. They are also hastening preparations for the next ministerial negotiations.

Prime Minister Ishiba to visit Vietnam and the Philippines for summit talks Prime Minister Ishiba is coordinating visits to Vietnam and the Philippines next week for summit meetings.

In this context, we will exchange opinions on the impact of the U.S. Trump administrations tariff measures on the global economy and the multilateral free trade system, and share information regarding the U.S. sides claims.

In light of Chinas increasing maritime expansion, there is an intention to emphasize the importance of a free and open international order based on the rule of law and to strengthen cooperation in the security field.

Furthermore, in the Philippines, as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the post-war period, there are considerations to visit the memorials for Japanese war dead and offer prayers.

Prime Minister Ishiba is seen to aim at connecting the peace and stability of the region by deepening ties with Southeast Asian countries, which are also part of the Global South, amidst increasing uncertainty in the world situation due to movements in countries such as the United States and China.

One of the focuses is the expansion of agricultural imports. Concerns about the impact on farmers regarding rice. It has been revealed that during ministerial negotiations held in Washington last week by Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa, the American side listed rice, meat, and potatoes as agricultural products of interest. In future negotiations, the expansion of imports of such agricultural products from the United States is expected to be one of the focal points.

Regarding rice, while domestic prices continue to rise, there is a growing trend among private companies to import rice from overseas despite paying high tariffs. At the same time, there are strong concerns about the impact of increased imports on domestic rice farmers.

Within the government, there are opinions suggesting the consideration of utilizing the existing import system called minimum access to mitigate the impact on rice farmers, and that expanding imports of soybeans and corn, among others, could be one of the options.

The government, taking these opinions into account, plans to consider measures in the agricultural sector for the next round of negotiations, which aims to be implemented within this month.