Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba took to Fuji Television's morning show to outline his vision for the next round of trade talks with the United States.
“Discussions have gradually come together,” Ishiba said, calling Tokyo's rapport with US President Donald Trump “surprisingly good.” His bold goal: eliminate all tariffs between the two economies.
Currently, the United States levies a 25% duty on Japanese auto exports and a 24% tariff on other goods. Washington plans to maintain a 10% baseline tariff even after new trade agreements, with exemptions for “significant trade terms.”
“It’s one model, but we should aim for 0 percent tariffs,” Ishiba insisted, arguing that cutting levies could lower prices for American consumers and give cross-Pacific commerce a powerful boost.
“For the sake of the American economy as well, shouldn’t those tariffs be lowered?” he added.
On the home front, Ishiba urged caution over a proposed consumption tax cut, warning: “If we suddenly lower the consumption tax, what happens to the country’s finances? We have to think if there aren’t other ways that we can help those who are truly in need.”
As the world watches, Ishiba’s push for zero tariffs and his balancing act on domestic taxes could redefine Japan’s economic outlook and spark fresh momentum in US-Japan trade relations.
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Japan PM Ishiba reiterates call to eliminate all tariffs with the US
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