Trump threatens 35% tariffs, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Sho: Negotiations with the US will not be easily compromised
AFP Tokyo, 6th - US President Trump has recently threatened to impose tariffs as high as 35% on Japanese goods. In order to prevent this threat from becoming reality, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Sho stated today that he would not "easily compromise" during negotiations with Washington.
Ishiba Sho said in a Japanese talk show: "We will not easily compromise, which is why it takes time and is very difficult."
Trump announced in April that he would impose 10% import tariffs on most trading partners. At that time, he also announced higher tariffs on dozens of economies including Japan, and then postponed implementation to leave room for negotiations.
The current postponement period will end on July 9, meaning that countries that have not reached an agreement with Washington will face higher tariffs.
Recently, Trump pointed out that he will write to Japan to demand "pay 30% or 35%, or any number we decide," and called the US-Japan bilateral trade relationship "unfair." He also specifically urged Japan to buy more American cars and American rice.
Japan's Minister for Economic Revitalization, Akasaka Ryoji, had phone conversations with US Commerce Secretary Rutenberg on July 3 and 5.
Ishiba Sho reiterated today on a television program that Japan is the largest investor in the US economy and should receive treatment different from other countries.
In another television program today, Ishiba Sho was asked how he planned to handle Trump's letter. He replied that Japan "is prepared to deal with all situations."
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836916460179528/
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