Japan Says New U.S. Tariffs “Regrettable”

Tokyo, July 24 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Friday that it was “regrettable” that U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration introduced a new tariff rate of 12.5 pct on imports from Japan. The new tariffs, imposed at rates of up to 12.5 pct on imports from 60 countries and regions, replaced the temporary 10 pct tariffs on a wide range of items based on Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 that expired Friday. Japanese exports to the United States are subject to a total tariff of 12.5 pct, including existing levies. As the rationale for the latest action, the U.S. administration cited Section 301 of the trade act, which allows the introduction of measures to address unfair foreign trade practices, claiming that import restrictions on goods produced by forced labor are insufficient. At the day’s press conference, Kihara, Japan’s top government spokesman, said, “Japan’s industrial and trade practices comply with international rules.” “The agreement between Japan and the United States reached last year (through negotiations over U.S. tariffs) remains unchanged,” Kihara added. “We have already confirmed that no additional tariffs beyond the agreement will be imposed by the United States.” Japanese economic and fiscal policy minister Minoru Kiuchi said at a separate press conference, “We will analyze the impact (of the new tariffs) on Japan.” Additionally, the United States is considering imposing another tariff measure based on Section 301 on trading partners including Japan, citing excess production capacity. Regarding the possibility of additional tariffs, Ryosei Akazawa, minister of economy, trade and industry, said, “The final outcome will not ultimately increase Japan’s burden.” Norikazu Suzuki, minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, explained, “Some agricultural products, such as beef and green tea, remain exempt (from the U.S. tariffs).” On automobile imports from Japan to the United States, the tariff rate of 15 pct will be maintained based on the Japan-U.S. agreement. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]