Japan condemned US President Donald Trump’s newly imposed tariffs on Thursday, calling the move “extremely regrettable” and expressing concerns that the tariffs could breach World Trade Organisation (WTO) regulations and their bilateral trade agreement. The tariffs, which include a 24-percent levy on Japanese imports, come despite Japan being the largest investor in the US.
Yoji Muto, Japan’s trade and industry minister, emphasised that Japan had strongly urged the US not to apply these tariffs. He noted his discussion with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick before Trump’s announcement of the new tariffs, which include a baseline 10-percent tariff on all imports and additional duties on selected countries, including Japan.
Muto highlighted how these tariffs would negatively affect the US economy by hindering Japanese companies’ ability to invest in the country. He stated that both sides had a frank conversation about pursuing cooperation without relying on tariffs.
Japan’s government spokesman, Yoshimasa Hayashi, echoed Muto’s concerns, stating that the tariffs might not align with both the WTO agreement and the Japan-US trade deal. While Japan has not disclosed whether it plans to retaliate with its own tariffs or seek redress through the WTO, the country remains strongly opposed to the new measures.
Under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan had previously secured an exemption from such tariffs during Trump’s first term. However, the current government, led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, has failed to gain similar exemptions. In February, Trump touted a “new golden age” for US-Japan relations and promised major investments from Japan, including a trillion dollars in US investments and large-scale natural gas imports.
The new tariffs also target Japan’s auto sector, imposing a 25-percent levy on vehicle imports into the US, which makes up a significant portion of Japan’s exports. Japan’s automotive industry plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy, and these tariffs are expected to have far-reaching effects. Japan has also expressed concerns over its auto sector’s exposure to the tariffs, which could impact both imports from Canada and Mexico and vehicles made in the US by Japanese automakers.
