New Measures in Japan to Counter US Tariffs

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party will submit an emergency proposal today in the wake of the US tariffs, urging the government to strengthen loan support for businesses and boost domestic demand.

The draft proposal states that US tariffs could fundamentally change the nature of the free and fair economic system. It also emphasizes that it is “deeply regrettable” that additional tariffs are being imposed on Japan despite requests for exemption, according to the German News Agency.

The proposal outlines five pillars for responding to the tariffs, including loan support, job protection, increased domestic demand, improved competitiveness, and flexibility in proposing additional solutions.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Sunday that his government will not include discussions on security in its trade talks with the United States, while President Donald Trump calls for reducing the US burden in defending Japan. “I don’t think it’s appropriate to discuss security and trade together,” Ishiba added, days after his close aide met with Trump and senior US officials regarding the recently increased tariffs. “We should address security issues without linking them to tariffs, and I believe reducing the US trade deficit with other countries is Trump’s top priority.”