Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed strong disappointment on Saturday over the United States imposing a new 25% tariff on auto parts, which took effect earlier in the day. Speaking to reporters, Ishiba stated that Japan will continue to urge President Donald Trump’s administration to reconsider these tariff measures.
The U.S. administration’s decision to impose additional tariffs on imported auto components, including engines and transmissions, delivers another blow to Japan’s vital car industry. This sector was already impacted by a similar 25% tariff on automobiles that began in early April.
“We have been negotiating with the United States on all tariffs,” Ishiba said, following reports that the U.S. is reluctant to offer exemptions on duties imposed on products such as auto parts and steel. The second round of negotiations between the two countries took place in Washington on Thursday.
According to Japanese government sources cited by Kyodo News, U.S. officials indicated that they aim to focus primarily on reciprocal tariffs in negotiations with Tokyo, without including duties on automobiles, steel, and aluminum.
Ryosei Akazawa, Japan’s economic revitalization minister and top negotiator, emphasized that Japan has no intention of finalizing a trade deal unless all new tariffs are reviewed. “We have pressed the United States to reconsider the series of tariffs, and we cannot reach an agreement if that is not properly addressed in a package,” Akazawa told reporters upon his return from the ministerial-level talks in Washington.
(Cover: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba arrives at the prime minister’s office in Tokyo, Japan, on May 2, 2025. /VCG)
