25-05-2025
Japan PM Ishiba seeks US tariff agreement with G7 summit in mind
Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has indicated he will proceed with talks with the United States over tariff measures while seeking an agreement between leaders on the sidelines of next month's G7 summit.
Ishiba exchanged opinions with senior shipbuilding officials in Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture, on Sunday.
Ishiba said, "I would appreciate it very much if we can discuss what is possible through Japan-US cooperation and what advantages can come from this."
High-level negotiations between Japan and the US took place on Friday. Japan has already proposed using domestic shipbuilding expertise to repair US military vessels in Japan.
Ishiba said: "The US is interested to see if US military vessels can be repaired in Japan. If possible, we are willing to offer support in this area."
He also said his government will consider promoting cooperation regarding ice-breaking ships that travel in the Arctic Circle.
Opposition party leaders gave their views on the issue.
Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan President Noda Yoshihiko said, "The G7 is very important as it includes Canada and other countries that export automobiles to the US."
Democratic Party for the People President Tamaki Yuichiro said he wants the government to hold the negotiations in a strategic manner to bring benefits to both countries.
Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryosei returned to Japan on Sunday afternoon after the latest round of high-level negotiations with the US.
Akazawa said both sides discussed various issues, such as trade expansion, non-tariff measures and economic security cooperation.
He expressed hope to hold another round of talks as soon as possible with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who was absent from the latest round.
Akazawa says Japan and the US had already reached a consensus to hold intensive consultations in May or later.
He says he wants to hold more talks with the US at a time convenient for both sides.
