Clear message from Japan to Trump: 'We will not make concessions'

Japan has issued a statement regarding the import tariffs of the Donald Trump administration in the US.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba noted in a statement made during a parliamentary session that they would not make concessions to speed up trade negotiations.

Prime Minister Ishiba stated that Japan does not plan to implement retaliatory tariffs in response to the US decision to increase customs duties on products such as automobiles, steel, and aluminum.

'RETALIATION INCREASES INFLATION'

Pointing out that imposing high taxes on products imported from the US could negatively affect the inflation rate in Japan, Ishiba said, "In the shadow of rising energy and food prices, I do not think that retaliatory tariffs would serve our national interests." However, emphasizing that Japan will prioritize its economic interests in the negotiations, Ishiba said that they would not make sequential concessions in the talks to be held with the US.

Government official responsible for the negotiations, Ryosei Akazawa, expressed that he would make efforts to ensure the negotiations are conducted in the manner most suitable for Japan's interests.

Akazawa noted that monetary policy issues would not be included in the negotiations and that these topics should be discussed between the finance ministers of the two countries.

'TRUMP'S DECISION IS POSITIVE, BUT INSUFFICIENT'

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi evaluated the US decision to suspend tariffs for 90 days for countries that do not retaliate as a 'positive development.' However, he stated that Washington should also review other tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automotive parts.

Prime Minister Ishiba noted that they would take every step to reduce the possible effects of US customs tariffs on Japan's export-oriented economy.

Stating that talks at the ministerial level to address tariff issues will begin, Ishiba said that diplomatic contacts with the US on this matter have been accelerated.

The Donald Trump administration announced on April 2 that reciprocal tariffs would be applied to other countries and had increased the tariffs applied to the People's Republic of China to 125 percent. It was announced that the additional taxes foreseen for other countries were suspended for 90 days.