赤澤あかざわ経済けいざい再生さいせい相しょう “大統領だいとうりょう令れい 適時てきじ修正しゅうせいと説明せつめい” 自動車じどうしゃ関税かんぜいも

Minister for Economic Revitalization Akazawa, during his visit to Washington, revealed that regarding the situation where a uniform 15% tariff is being added without reflecting the contents of the recent Japan-U.S. agreement, after meeting with U.S. cabinet members, the American side explained that they would take measures to promptly amend the presidential executive order.

He also explained that it was confirmed that a presidential decree would be issued at the same time to lower tariffs on automobiles and other goods.

Minister Akazawa, in charge of economic revitalization, stated during his visit to Washington, It is extremely regrettable that a presidential executive order, which does not align with the Japan-U.S. agreement, was issued and put into effect due to internal U.S. administrative procedures regarding reciprocal tariffs.

He also stated, There was an expression of regret from the American cabinet members regarding the procedures taken by the American side this time.

Furthermore, he stated, The U.S. side explained that, when taking measures to revise the presidential order in a timely manner in the future, they would like to make it retroactive so that, for the portion of reciprocal tariffs collected after the 7th of this month that exceeds the content agreed upon between Japan and the U.S., refunds will be made retroactively to the 7th.

As for the timing of the amendment to the executive order, since it is an internal administrative matter on the U.S. side, it is up to the U.S. to decide, but as a general understanding, it is of course not the case that the retroactive effect would remain for as long as six months or a year.

We understand that the American side will respond within the bounds of common sense.

In response to this, The issuance and implementation of an executive order that does not conform to the agreed terms occurred as part of internal administrative procedures on the U.S. side, and as a result of the Japanese government prioritizing the fulfillment of the agreement, the additional tariff ended up being 15% instead of 25%.

He said, I cant understand at all that something happened just because I didnt create a document.

On top of that, I want you to think about it logically: if we were to create an agreement document, do you really think the American side would sign it if it only stated something like The tariff rates will be set in a way thats favorable to Japan?

We will continue making adjustments until we are satisfied with all the points written in the fact sheet by the American side, reach an agreement on July 22, and see if we can make the August 1 deadline.

I also said, I want you to think carefully about it.

Amidst these circumstances, Minister for Economic Revitalization Akazawa held talks with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Latonic for about three hours at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington from the night of the 7th to the early morning of the 8th Japan time, and with U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Bessent for about 30 minutes at the U.S. Department of the Treasury on the morning of the 8th.

In a series of meetings, both sides confirmed the importance of steadily advancing efforts based on the previous Japan-U.S. agreement in a way that benefits both countries.

On that basis, Minister Akazawa once again confirmed the contents of the agreement regarding reciprocal tariffs and strongly requested that measures be taken to promptly amend the presidential decree in accordance with the agreement.

We also strongly urged the issuance of a presidential decree to further lower tariffs on automobiles and other goods.

For Japan, the situation is that a uniform 15% tariff is being imposed without reflecting the content of the previous Japan-U.S. agreement, so a major focus will be on whether revisions based on the agreement can be made promptly.

The United States, based on the executive order issued on the 31st of last month, applied new tariff rates to countries and regions around the world on the afternoon of the 7th Japan time, setting Japans tariff rate at 15%.

However, there is no such provision in U.S. executive orders, and a uniform 15% surcharge is being added to the conventional tax rate.

Prime Minister Ishiba told reporters on the night of the 7th, Minister for Economic Revitalization Akazawa, who is currently visiting the United States, is once again confirming the details of the agreement with the American side and is strongly urging them to immediately take measures to revise the executive order that has already been put into effect. He indicated his intention to make efforts at all levels, including at the ministerial level.

Some government officials have said, There may have been a gap in understanding among U.S. cabinet members regarding the tariff rates on Japan, and whether an early correction based on the agreed content can be made is a major focus.