赤あか澤さわ経済けいざい再生さいせい相しょう アメリカへ出発しゅっぱつ “トランプ関税かんぜい”初はつ交渉こうしょうへ

Minister Akazawa, in charge of economic revitalization, departed from Haneda Airport on the morning of the 16th to attend the first negotiations regarding the tariff measures of the Trump administration in the United States.

Prior to this, he expressed to the press his intention to build a relationship of trust with the other party and conduct negotiations that would benefit the national interests of both countries.

Regarding the U.S. tariff measures, Minister Akazawa, in charge of economic revitalization, is scheduled to attend the first Japan-U.S. negotiations on the 17th Japan time and departed from Haneda Airport before 11 a.m. on the 16th.

In the negotiations, Japan plans to explain how it contributes to the U.S. economy and employment through significant investments, strongly urging a review of the measures, while carefully listening to the demands from the American side and identifying negotiation areas that do not compromise Japans national interests.

Before departure, Minister Akazawa told reporters at Haneda Airport, To my own surprise, I am quite calm this morning and ready.

I want to thoroughly consider what is most beneficial to the national interest and what is most effective, and engage in negotiations that firmly protect the national interest, he stated.

In addition, negotiations can be greatly influenced by the trust relationship between the parties involved.

We want to firmly build a relationship of trust with negotiation counterparts such as Treasury Secretary Bessent and negotiate to create a win-win situation for the national interests of both Japan and the United States, he said.

Ishiba Prime Minister instructed to ensure full support by understanding the impact on small and medium-sized enterprises. Regarding the tariff measures of the U.S. Trump administration, Prime Minister Ishiba instructed at a meeting of parliamentary secretaries to meticulously understand the impact on small and medium-sized enterprises and to ensure full support while sharing information across the government.

In this context, Prime Minister Ishiba stated, We need to consider how to respond on our part. We will send Minister for Economic Revitalization Akazawa to the United States from today, but the details are not yet fully clear, indicating the need to carefully assess the impact on domestic industries.

Furthermore, he pointed out that it is extremely important to listen to what kind of issues each region is facing and to ensure they are well informed about the available support systems.

He stated, Since various ministries such as the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism are involved, I would like each parliamentary secretary to visit the regions, understand what needs exist, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises, and constantly share information in real-time within the government. He instructed that the impact on small and medium-sized enterprises be meticulously understood and that the government ensures thorough support by sharing information internally.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi: The government will work as one to achieve results promptly. At a press conference on the morning of the 16th, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi stated, While I will refrain from speculating on specific details at this point, we will strongly urge the United States to review the series of tariff measures, while building a relationship of trust between the ministers in charge of Japan and the United States.

The government will work as one to achieve results as soon as possible, he said.