By Kevin Buckland
TOKYO (Reuters) -Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reiterated on Sunday that he will aim for the elimination of all tariffs in trade negotiations with the United States.
Speaking on a Fuji Television morning program, Ishiba said that “discussions have gradually come together,” and that Tokyo’s relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump is “surprisingly good.”
However, Ishiba said that Washington’s agreement with London, announced on Thursday, which lowers prohibitive duties on British car exports while keeping a baseline 10% tariff in place, was “one model” for trade deals, “but we should aim for 0% tariffs.”
Saying that high auto import levies would make cars more expensive for U.S. consumers, Ishiba added, “for the sake of the American economy as well, shouldn’t those tariffs be lowered?”
Trump said on Friday that the U.S. will maintain a baseline 10% tariff on imports even after trade deals are struck, adding there could be exemptions when countries offer significant trade terms.
Currently, Japan faces a 25% levy on economically crucial auto exports to the United States, and a reciprocal 24% tariff on other Japanese goods.
In terms of supporting the domestic economy, Ishiba said that the government needs to think carefully about a mooted reduction in consumption tax.
“If we suddenly lower the consumption tax, what happens to the country’s finances?” he said.
“We have to think if there aren’t other ways that we can help those who are truly in need.”
(Reporting by Kevin Buckland; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
