Japan says no plan for big concessions in talks on US tariffs

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Reuters

April 14, 2025 3:50 AM EDT Updated 6 hours ago


TOKYO, April 14 (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Monday his country does not plan to make big concessions and won't rush to reach a deal in upcoming tariff negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. Japan, a long-time U.S. ally, has been hit with 24% levies on its exports to the United States though these tariffs have, like most of Trump's sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs, been paused for 90 days.

But a 10% universal rate remains in place as does a 25% duty for cars, which is set to be particularly painful. The U.S. is Japan's biggest export destination and automobile shipments account for roughly 28% of its exports there. The two countries will begin trade talks on Thursday in Washington that are expected to cover tariffs, non-tariff barriers and exchange rates.

"I'm not of the view that we should make big concessions for the sake of wrapping up negotiations quickly," Ishiba said in parliament, though he ruled out slapping Japanese tariffs on U.S. imports as a countermeasure. "In negotiating with the United States, we need to understand what's behind Trump's argument both in terms of the logic and the emotional elements behind his views," Ishiba said, noting that U.S. tariffs have the potential to disrupt the global economic order.

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda warned of forthcoming pain. "U.S. tariffs will likely put downward pressure on the global and Japanese economies through various channels," Ueda told the same parliament session.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-pm-warns-us-tariffs-have-potential-disrupt-global-economic-order-2025-04-14/

[travelingthrulife]

1. Why would anyone work with this mob boss? He will just make you pay more and more

for less and less.

[truthisfreedom]

2. There is no logic, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba

We’re sorry, logic is out the window with this Tasmanian devil at the helm.

[dem4decades]

3. Korea, Japan and China will move on without us.

[Bluetus]

4. Brand loyalty

Americans are loyal to the Toyota brand at 62% repeat business (and probably >95% satisfaction).

Americans are loyal to the Honda brand at 64%

Americans are loyal to the Subaru brand at 61%

Only 1/3 of eligible voters returned to the Trump brand in 2024, and right now, far more people hate the guy than love him. Trump had better think twice before telling Americans they can't have their RAV4, Camry, or Prius.

[IbogaProject]

7. The SC ruled in Citizen's United

Some citizens have more say than others, as money equals speech and therefore can't be constrained as long as some basic procedural steps are taken to provide an air of legitimization like a 501c4 PAC.

[Grins]

5. "..we need to understand what's behind Trump's argument...in terms of the logic.."

Well, good luck with that!!

[thought crime]

6. Japan is playing it cool

They are the United States’ largest foreign investor, and they’re sitting on a pretty big pile of US Bonds. Huge customer for Boeing commercial aircraft and US weapon systems.

I would say they’re holding the cards.