Japan’s PM Ishiba Goes Full Free Trade—Demands 0% Tariffs in US Negotiations

No more half-measures—Japan’s leader is playing hardball on trade. Ishiba’s zero-tariff push could rewrite Pacific commerce... or crash into Washington’s protectionist wall.

Wall Street’s tariff addiction won’t quit easily. Those lobbyists need their 20% vig—sorry, ’strategic import adjustments.’

Trump insists on maintaining a base 10% tariff on Japan’s products

On the talk show, PM Shigeru Ishiba also described their talks with the US government as  “gradually coming together” and even termed his relationship with President Trump as “surprisingly good.”  

Additionally, he maintained that Tokyo should target tariffs of 0% in their trade deal with Washington, arguing that high tariffs WOULD hurt both Japanese manufacturers and American consumers. For instance, he cited that the country’s automobile exports to the US would lessen and drive car prices up if Trump’s Administration imposed high import duties, which would be detrimental to both parties.

He further argued that his country is still investing and creating jobs in the US; hence, if their automobile industry was weakened, they could no longer contribute to US investments. According to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, the country exported 1.37 million vehicles, roughly worth $41 billion to the United States last year, 

Ishiba also spoke on the US-UK deal, acknowledging it as “one possible model” but a suboptimal one.

The US agreed on Thursday to reduce tariffs to 10% on 100,000 units of British luxury exports annually. While Ishiba acknowledged it as a favorable deal for the U.K., he believes Japan can and should pursue better terms, preferably a 0% tariff deal.

Nonetheless, Trump maintained that a 10% tariff on imports would remain in effect even after finalizing the trade negotiations. He argued that exemptions could be considered if trade partners offer substantial concessions.

Japan will be subject to a 25% tariff on its automobile exports to the US if it cannot agree with the US before July 8. The US will also impose a 24% tax on other Japanese products.

Ishiba calls for caution in the reduction of the nation’s consumption tax

Ishiba strongly believes that a zero-tariff deal would also boost the American economy. He commented, “For the benefit of the American economy, too, shouldn’t the tariffs be reduced?”

He also warned against reducing the Japanese consumption tax quickly. He encouraged caution and prudency, claiming that lowering the consumption tax too rashly may harm the country’s economy.

Moreover, he’s called for alternative measures to assist people in need instead of indiscriminate tax reduction.

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