Japan PM presses Trump on tariffs as trade tensions continue to simmer ahead of another crucial round of negotiations between the two nations. Despite being the largest foreign investor in the U.S., Japan remains subject to high tariffs on automobiles, steel, and aluminum—forcing Tokyo to intensify diplomatic efforts with Washington.
Japan PM Presses Trump on Tariffs in Key Pre-Negotiation Call
Japan PM presses Trump on tariffs in a 45-minute phone call on Friday morning (May 23), just before the third round of trade talks in Washington. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba strongly reiterated Japan’s position, calling for the removal of U.S.-imposed tariffs.
“We discussed a wide range of topics, including tariffs and economic security,” Ishiba said at a press conference in Tokyo. “There’s no change in our stance—we continue to call for the removal of tariffs.”
Why Japan PM Presses Trump on Tariffs Now
Timing is critical. The U.S. has imposed a 10% baseline tariff on Japanese goods, along with 25% “reciprocal” tariffs announced in early April—temporarily paused until July. Despite being one of America’s closest allies and its top foreign investor, Japan sees these tariffs as harmful and unjustified.
Economic revitalization minister Ryosei Akazawa, Japan’s lead envoy for the upcoming discussions, emphasized the urgency. Speaking before his departure to Washington, he stated, “The series of tariff measures taken by the U.S. are regrettable. We will strongly demand a review.”
Japan Has Much at Stake as Its PM Presses Trump on Tariffs
Automotive tariffs are particularly concerning. The U.S. recently imposed a 25% import tax on car parts, including engines and transmissions—severely impacting Japan, where the auto industry accounts for roughly 8% of all jobs.
Japan PM presses Trump on tariffs in a bid to safeguard this vital sector and protect employment. Ishiba has consistently stressed that the tariff issue is not only about trade, but also investment and job creation in the U.S.
Despite Investment Promises, Japan PM Still Presses Trump on Tariffs
Earlier this year at the White House, Ishiba pledged that Japanese investment in the U.S. would rise to $1 trillion annually. However, as Stefan Angrick from Moody’s Analytics noted, “Japan’s status as the world’s largest foreign investor in the U.S. hasn’t protected it from tariff threats.”
He added that Japan PM presses Trump on tariffs without much success so far, and that promises of increased investment may not be a persuasive bargaining tool.
What’s Next as Japan PM Presses Trump on Tariffs?
Akazawa is expected to return to Washington on May 30 for further discussions. However, Japanese media report that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will not attend this round—raising questions about the level of U.S. commitment to the talks.
Still, both sides appear willing to seek a mutually beneficial agreement. “We’ll carefully listen to the U.S. side’s proposals and ideas and try to find common ground,” Akazawa said.
Conclusion: Japan and the U.S. Must Find Common Ground
Japan PM presses Trump on tariffs not just in the name of numbers or trade balances, but to protect long-term economic stability and a critical alliance between two major global economies. In an era of growing global trade uncertainty, Japan’s persistence may prove pivotal—if both sides are willing to compromise for mutual gain.
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