Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba declared Sunday that he would not “easily compromise” in ongoing trade talks with Washington.
His statement comes as Tokyo races to avert President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs as high as 35 per cent on Japanese goods, with a crucial Wednesday deadline looming.
“We will not easily compromise. That’s why it is taking time and why it is tough,” Ishiba told a television talk show.
Trump had previously imposed a 10 per cent tariff on most trading partners in April but temporarily paused higher rates, including on Japan, to allow for negotiations. This pause is set to expire on July 9.
Japan Cites Investment Role, Demands Clarification on “Unfair” Claims
President Trump has consistently pressed Japan to accept more US automobiles and rice, labelling the bilateral trade relationship “unfair” and threatening tariffs as high as 35 per cent.
Prime Minister Ishiba emphasised that Japan, as the largest investor nation in the US economy and the biggest job creator, deserves different treatment.
“What is unfair? How is it unfair? We need to examine each one of the US claims, he asserted, highlighting the need to speak plainly despite being allies.
Tokyo’s trade envoy, Ryosei Akazawa, has engaged in recent phone calls with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
When questioned about how Japan would address Trump’s potential letter regarding tariffs, Ishiba stated that Japan is “preparing to deal with all kinds of situations.”
