Photo/Illutration Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, left, speaks at the Comprehensive Response Headquarters for U.S. Tariff Measures meeting at the prime minister’s office on July 8. Ryosei Akazawa, minister in charge of economic revitalization, sits to the right of Ishiba. (Takeshi Iwashita)

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed regret over U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new reciprocal tariff of 25 percent on all Japanese goods imported to the United States.

“It is deeply regrettable that the U.S. government has not only imposed additional tariffs but has now also announced a further increase in tariff rates,” he said.

Ishiba expressed his intention for Japan to continue its negotiations with the United States in reconsidering the tariff measures.

“The two sides have continued sincere and earnest discussions, but as of now, there are still issues that both Japan and the United States cannot resolve,” Ishiba said.

On the morning of July 8, the Japanese government held a meeting of its Comprehensive Response Headquarters for U.S. Tariff Measures with all Cabinet ministers at the prime minister's office.

The meeting was called a day after Trump announced the 25 percent reciprocal tariff on Japanese goods, which is scheduled to take effect from Aug. 1.

The United States has already imposed a 25 percent tariff on all automobile imports and 50 percent on steel and aluminum products. The reciprocal tariff will not be added to these tariff rates.

Ishiba instructed relevant ministers to continue negotiations and to seek a mutually acceptable agreement, while also ensuring that full measures are taken to mitigate the impact on domestic industries and employment.

After the meeting, Ishiba told reporters that, “Toward the new deadline of Aug. 1, we will engage in Japan-U.S. talks with the aim of reaching an agreement that protects our national interests and benefits both sides.”

Trade minister Yoji Muto said at a news conference following the July 8 Cabinet meeting that exports of automobiles to the United States have declined in both value and quantity.

“We will continue to survey the actual situation of domestic industries and employment so that we can be fully prepared to take the necessary measures without hesitation,” he said.

Ryosei Akazawa, minister in charge of economic revitalization and Japan’s lead negotiator in the Japan-U.S. tariff talks, has visited the United States seven times since April for ministerial-level discussions.

Ishiba also met with Trump during the Group of Seven summit in Canada in June and held multiple phone discussions, but no trade deal has been reached so far.

(This article was written by Shun Suzuki and Suzuka Tominaga.)

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