Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba Reiterates Call to Eliminate All Trade Tariffs with US

Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba reiterated his campaign for zero tariffs during a continued bid for trade talks with the United States. Appearing on a Sunday morning television show, he assured that negotiations between Tokyo and Washington are in progress. Whereas US President Donald Trump has proposed keeping a 10% floor tariff, Shigeru Ishiba insisted the objective should be outright elimination of tariffs. He cautioned that auto exports of Japan would be hurt both by Japanese producers and American consumers if there are high import duties.

Shigeru Ishiba also spoke out against the risk of a Japanese consumption tax reduction, calling for a prudent and selective response. His remarks illustrate Japan’s balancing act between trade diplomacy and domestic economic policy.

Ishiba Insists on Zero Tariff Goal

PM Shigeru Ishiba indicated that negotiations on trade with the US were picking up pace. He referred to the talks as “gradually coming together” and characterized his relationship with Trump as “surprisingly good.” Despite this, he categorically insisted that Tokyo should target 0% tariffs in the final agreement.

Speaking of the new US-UK free trade agreement, Ishiba recognized it as a potential model but a suboptimal one. That deal cuts tariffs on British automobile exports but maintains a 10% tariff floor. Ishiba thinks Japan must and can negotiate on more favorable terms.

High Auto Tariffs Hurt US Consumers Too, Says PM

Today, Japan has a 25% tariff on auto exports to the US. The US also charges a 24% tax on a number of other Japanese products. Shigeru Ishiba contended that the high tariffs drive up car prices in the US, to the detriment of American consumers.

“For the benefit of the American economy too, shouldn’t the tariffs be reduced?” he said, emphasizing that good trade is good for both countries.

Trump, however, stated on Friday that a 10% tariff on imports will remain in place even after trade agreements are concluded. He stated that exceptions may be made if partners make significant trade concessions.

Ishiba Calls for Caution Over Cutting Japan’s Consumption Tax

Locally, Shigeru Ishiba spoke on demands to lower Japan’s consumption tax to prop up the economy. He cautioned against acting rashly.

If we suddenly decrease the consumption tax, what then happens to the finances of the country?” he asked. He demanded alternative measures to assist people who are in need, as opposed to indiscriminate tax reduction.”.

PM Shigeru Ishiba’s zero-tariff position marks Japan’s hardline in the Japan-US tariff talks. Although Trump advocates a tariff floor, Ishiba insists that complete removal of tariffs benefits both economies. As negotiations drag on, Japan balances between strategic diplomacy and prudent domestic policy.