Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reiterated his call on May 11 for the elimination of all tariffs in trade talks with the US, signalling Tokyo’s desire for a more ambitious agreement than recent US-UK terms.
Speaking on Fuji Television, Ishiba emphasised that negotiations with Washington were progressing and described his relationship with US President Donald Trump as “surprisingly good”.
He stressed that Japan is aiming for a zero-rated tariff.
Arguing that high import duties on Japanese cars hurt American consumers, Ishiba said, “For the sake of the American economy as well, shouldn’t those tariffs be lowered?”
Currently, Japanese auto exports to the US face a steep 25% tariff, with other goods subject to a 24% levy. Trump, meanwhile, has signalled the US will maintain 10% baseline tariff post-agreements unless countries offer significant concessions.
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