Japan's PM Demands U.S. Revise Tariffs, Citing Broken Agreement

Japan's Prime Minister has called on the United States to immediately revise its executive order, asserting that the new tariff rates and related policies implemented by the U.S. government on July 7 do not align with the previously agreed terms between the two countries. The Prime Minister made these remarks in response to questions from reporters at the Prime Minister's Office, acknowledging that the U.S. has not fulfilled the tax reduction commitments outlined in the previous agreement. This has led to Japan facing higher tariffs, prompting the Prime Minister to demand immediate corrective measures from the U.S. side.

The Prime Minister emphasized that there is no disagreement between Japan and the U.S. on the content of the agreement. The Minister of Economic Revitalization, who is currently visiting the U.S., has reconfirmed the details of the pact. The Prime Minister's remarks come at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly in the region, where Japan seeks to strengthen its alliance with the U.S. to safeguard its interests. The Prime Minister's call for the U.S. to amend its executive order underscores the importance of adhering to agreed-upon terms in international trade agreements and the potential consequences of unilateral actions. The situation highlights the delicate balance between economic interests and geopolitical considerations in the U.S.-Japan relationship.

The U.S. had previously committed to providing tax relief to Japan during negotiations, stipulating that Japanese goods with a tax rate of 15% or higher would not be subject to additional "equivalent tariffs," while those with a tax rate below 15% would have their tax rate increased to 15%. However, the U.S. government's official announcement did not include specific tariff details for Japan, leading to concerns that some Japanese products may face higher tariffs. The Prime Minister's demand for the U.S. to revise its executive order reflects Japan's determination to protect its economic interests and uphold the integrity of international trade agreements.