Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has declared that he won’t “easily compromise” in trade talks with the United States, as Tokyo tries to prevent President Donald Trump from imposing steep tariffs on Japanese goods.
Speaking on a television talk show on Sunday, Ishiba said, “We will not easily compromise. That’s why it is taking time and why it is tough.” His firm stance comes ahead of a Wednesday deadline for trade negotiations with the U.S.
Earlier this year, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tariff on most trading partners. However, he paused higher tariffs on several economies, including Japan, to allow time for negotiations. This pause is set to expire on July 9, meaning that elevated rates could soon be applied to countries that haven’t reached agreements with Washington.
Trump has suggested imposing tariffs of up to 35 percent on Japanese goods, calling the bilateral trade relationship “unfair.” He has particularly pressured Japan to accept more U.S. automobiles and rice.
Ryosei Akazawa, Tokyo’s trade envoy, has held telephone discussions with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in recent days as both sides seek a resolution.
Ishiba emphasized that Japan, as the largest investor in the U.S. economy and a key ally, should be treated differently. “What is unfair? How is it unfair? We need to examine each one of the U.S. claims,” he said. “We are allies, but we have to say what we have to say. We are the world’s largest investor nation and the largest job creator in the U.S. We are different.”
When asked about how Japan plans to handle Trump’s potential tariffs, Ishiba stated that the country is “preparing to deal with all kinds of situations.”
