Japan vows to fully ease impact of U.S. tariffs, pledges continued talks to protect interests

Japan Formally States Intention to Mitigate Tariff Impact

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized at a press conference on Tuesday that the Japanese government will take all feasible measures to mitigate the impact of the US plan to impose a 25% tariff on all Japanese goods on Japan’s economy, businesses, and employment. Hayashi expressed that the tariff announcement by the United States is extremely regrettable, and Japan has been communicating with the US through diplomatic and economic channels, yet significant differences remain on key issues.

Hayashi highlighted that Japan is actively devising support plans to provide relief measures for industries and companies that might be affected, ensuring the stability of the supply chain and preventing large-scale impacts on employment.

Ongoing US-Japan Negotiations as Japan Emphasizes Mutual Benefits

Since President Trump announced a 25% tariff on Japanese exports to be imposed from August 1, the US and Japan have engaged in multiple rounds of negotiations, seeking a compromise before the tariffs are officially implemented.

Hayashi stated that Japan has repeatedly emphasized during negotiations that Japan is the largest source of foreign investment in the US, creating numerous jobs, and stressed that the close economic relationship between Japan and the US is in both countries' interests and should not be undermined by tariff barriers.

Japan hopes to reach a phased consensus with the US in key industries such as automobiles and high-tech products within the coming weeks to alleviate the impact brought by large-scale tariff measures.

US Tariff Plans Raise Concerns in Japanese Industries

The US tariff plan could impact major Japanese export industries such as automobiles, machinery, electronics, and chemicals, potentially affecting Japan's price competitiveness in the US market and further increasing pressures on corporate profits.

A report from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) indicates that Japan’s export-oriented companies may face reduced orders and supply chain adjustment pressures, with small and medium enterprises and component suppliers being the first to be affected.

Additionally, Japanese automobile manufacturers and electronics industry alliances have submitted petitions to the government, urging the prioritization of stable trade relations with the US in negotiations to avoid high tariffs escalating sales costs in the US.

Finance and Industry Departments to Respond Jointly

To address potential impacts, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Finance, and the Cabinet Office of Japan have jointly established an emergency response team to comprehensively assess the impact that tariff implementation might have on GDP, industrial employment, and consumer prices.

The Bank of Japan is also closely monitoring the progress of related negotiations and assessing potential impacts on exchange rates, capital flows, and inflation expectations, to take appropriate monetary and financial stability measures if necessary.

Hayashi emphasized that Japan will remain patient and flexible, striving through negotiations to achieve the most favorable outcome for the Japanese economy by August 1, while providing targeted support to affected domestic industries.

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