Japan's Proactive Response to US Trade Policies Under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba

Published on 4.13.25

  In recent months, China's diplomatic efforts have shifted towards strengthening ties with other Asian nations as part of its broader strategy to counterbalance the influence of the United States. However, this article focuses on Japan's response to US trade policies. Japan is taking a proactive approach to mitigate the effects of US tariffs. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has been engaging with international partners, including the G7 and IMF, to stabilize the market. He has also urged US President Donald Trump to reconsider tariffs on Japan during a phone call, highlighting that Japan has been the largest investor in the US for five consecutive years. The Japanese government has established a task force led by Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa to oversee trade negotiations with the US. This team will meet with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to discuss bilateral trade talks, including currency policy and non-tariff barriers. In a surprise move, US President Donald Trump temporarily lowered duties on dozens of countries, including Japan, from 24% to 10%. This development has provided some relief for Japanese exporters. However, the country's leaders remain cautious about the potential long-term impact of US trade policies. To address these concerns, Akazawa and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi will lead a 37-member task force to seek concessions from the US on tariffs. The cooperation between Japan and other countries is a significant development in the context of international relations. This collective effort aims to mitigate the effects of US trade policies and promote stability in global markets, particularly for Japanese businesses affected by these policies.

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