“相互そうご関税かんぜい” 4日にち国内こくないの動うごき 自民じみんが対策たいさく本部ほんぶの会合かいごう

In response to the tariff measures by the Trump administration in the United States, the Liberal Democratic Party held a meeting of the task force, where attending lawmakers expressed opinions calling on the government to take thorough measures to protect domestic industries and employment.

We will summarize and report on the domestic reactions on the 4th.

On the 3rd, U.S. President Trump announced a 24% tariff on Japan as a reciprocal tariff and also implemented a measure to impose an additional 25% tariff on automobiles imported into the United States.

In response to this, the Liberal Democratic Party held a meeting of the task force on the morning of the 4th.

At the beginning, Policy Research Council Chairman Onodera stated, The U.S. tariff measures are extremely regrettable as they have a significant impact not only on Japan but on the global economy as a whole.

As a party, we would like to listen to the voices on the ground, deepen the discussion, and propose further measures to the government, he said.

On the meeting held on the 4th, hearings were conducted with automotive industry groups such as the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association. The groups requested the continuation of negotiations with the United States to exclude the application of additional tariffs and financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises involved in parts manufacturing.

Subsequently, opinions such as We should promptly implement all possible policies to protect domestic industries and employment and suggestions like There is a need to conduct thorough diplomatic negotiations for reviewing tariff measures were raised by the attending lawmakers.

In addition to calls for countermeasures, there were also opinions that policies to stimulate domestic demand would be necessary if automobile exports decrease.

Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association Difficult to Repair if Supply Chain Breaks Masanori Katayama, Chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, spoke to reporters after a meeting of the Liberal Democratic Partys task force, saying, Once the supply chain breaks, it is difficult to repair, so we ask for financial support in the short term.

We have a fundamental stance of open free trade, so we will properly uphold it, and conversely, we also talked about wanting the other country to understand this.

In addition, Takashi Kayamoto, Chairman of the Japan Auto Parts Industries Association, said, I am very afraid that manufacturing in Japan will become hollowed out.

Including medium and small enterprises, they possess very good technology, but if its lost due to tariffs, it will be irretrievable.

He stated, I expressed my fear that the decline in manufacturing capabilities and the weakening of the entire supply chain is very frightening.

He stated, In addition, I requested that they negotiate persistently, as it would be appreciated if tariffs were excluded in the negotiations and if the tax rate were reduced.

Chairman of the Policy Research Council, Onodera, requests the withdrawal of measures to the US Chargé dAffaires ad interim. On the morning of the 4th, Liberal Democratic Partys Policy Research Council Chairman Onodera held a meeting with the US Chargé dAffaires ad interim Young at the party headquarters.

In this, Mr. Onodera conveyed at the partys task force meeting held prior to the talks that there were a series of harsh opinions about the current tariff measures, and he requested the withdrawal of the measures.

In response, Acting Ambassador Young agreed to convey the request to his home country.

After this, Mr. Onodera told the press corps, Japan and the United States, as allied nations, have built a long-standing relationship of trust.

He stated, I expressed strong indignation at being subjected to such high tariffs.

[Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers Speak Out from Ruling and Opposition Parties] Prime Minister Ishiba: A Situation That Should Be Called a National Crisis Heading Towards Party Leaders Meeting Prime Minister Ishiba, at the House of Representatives Cabinet Committee, stated regarding the tariff measures by the Trump administration, Our country is the largest investor and has created the most jobs for America.

He stated, Im not saying something irresponsible like just spare our country, and in that sense, its extremely regrettable and disappointing.

On top of that, I have no idea how the tax rate is calculated.

It is necessary to address why this is happening without getting emotional and to properly correct it, he said, explaining that he will continue to question the basis for the tax rate to the American side.

In a situation that should be described as a national crisis, it is necessary to consider and respond in a bipartisan manner, including not only the government and ruling parties but also all opposition parties.

The government, together with both the ruling and opposition parties, will make the utmost efforts, he stated, emphasizing the intention to listen to the opinions of both parties through a party leaders meeting on the afternoon of the 4th, and to ensure thorough measures are taken.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi: It is necessary to consider and respond in a bipartisan manner. Regarding the tariff measures of the Trump administration in the United States, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi stated that it is an issue that should be considered across party lines. He expressed the intention to ensure thorough responses by listening to the opinions of the opposition parties in a meeting between Prime Minister Ishiba and the leaders of both the ruling and opposition parties.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi stated at a press conference after the cabinet meeting on the 4th that it is extremely regrettable that the United States announced its tariff measures despite having requested not to take unilateral actions. He reiterated the policy of cooperating with relevant ministers and advancing necessary efforts as a government, based on the instructions of Prime Minister Ishiba.

In addition, he stated that it is necessary to consider and respond on a non-partisan basis, including not only the government and ruling party but also all opposition parties, indicating his intention to listen to the opinions of the opposition in a meeting between Prime Minister Ishiba and the leaders of both ruling and opposition parties, and to ensure thorough measures are taken.

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Muto: Request for Review from the Perspective of Protecting National Interests During a press conference following the cabinet meeting on the 4th, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Muto was asked about Japans response to the U.S. before the tariff measures are implemented on the 9th of this month. He stated, The U.S. and Japan have different positions, but we must certainly accomplish what needs to be done while considering various aspects of national interests, reiterating his intention to strongly request a review of the measures from the U.S. from the perspective of protecting national interests.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry decided on the 3rd to provide financial support to companies affected by tariff measures. Minister Muto stated, While swiftly assessing the impact on domestic industries, we will also consider additional measures, indicating that additional measures will be considered depending on the extent of the impact on domestic industries.

Minister Eto says, The entire food industry is gathering detailed information. In a press conference following the cabinet meeting on the 4th, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Eto pointed out that the export value of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products and foods has grown to 1.5 trillion yen, and stated, The number one export destination is, without a doubt, the United States.

If they impose very high tariffs there, it will have a significant impact, he said.

In addition, we want to promptly consider what kind of impact there is not only on the production sites but also across the entire food industry by collecting detailed information, including financial arrangements, and to advance the examination of countermeasures, he stated, indicating the intention to scrutinize the impact on domestic agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and the food industry and to advance the consideration of countermeasures.

In relation to President Trumps criticism that Japan imposes a 700% tariff on American rice, when asked whether they are considering measures such as reducing rice tariffs or expanding imports from the United States, Minister Eto stated, We are not at the stage to delve into such matters at this time.

He stated, First, we will thoroughly analyze the impact.

Nakano, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, is examining the impact on international logistics. In a press conference after the cabinet meeting, Minister Nakano stated, I also deeply regret the unilateral tariff measures announced by the U.S. government.

In addition, he stated, For example, regarding international logistics, the impact on the global supply chain is anticipated, but we will also examine and analyze the effects on other relevant areas.

In addition, regarding the U.S. governments mention of automotive-related standards and certification procedures as non-tariff barriers, it was stated that our countrys standards and certification procedures comply with United Nations standards.

Komei Partys Representative Saito: Its important to overcome this hurdle. In response to the tariff measures by the Trump administration in the United States, the Komei Party held a joint meeting of the relevant subcommittees of the Policy Research Council on the morning of the 4th.

In this context, Representative Saito stated, The impact on the entire Japanese economy and individual industries is very significant.

My hometown is Hiroshima, where the automobile industry is thriving, but I have also received concerns.

It is important how we can overcome this difficult challenge, and I would like to discuss what we can do, he said.

At the meeting, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry provided explanations on tariff measures, and attendees expressed opinions on accurately understanding the impact on the economy and called for close cooperation with various countries.

Rikken Minshuto leader Noda: The Prime Minister should negotiate directly. Rikken Minshuto leader Noda stated at a press conference, Whether the negotiations conducted by the Foreign Minister and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry with the American side have reached President Trump...

I am worried that Japans claims may not have reached the President, he said.

In that context, isnt it important for Prime Minister Ishiba himself to take the lead, negotiate directly, and demonstrate Japans fundamental stance?

If you are going to visit the United States, it should not be hindered, and at the very least, a phone conversation should be held early, he said.

Also, Since it will affect various fields, the government should form a cross-ministerial team and negotiate with all its might.

It is endless to keep saying We want Japan to be treated as an exception, so we should show a willingness to take the lead in international cooperation while calling on other countries, he pointed out.