石破いしば首相しゅしょう 関税かんぜい措置そち“早期そうき妥結だけつこだわらず 精緻せいちな分析ぶんせきして臨のぞむ”

In the House of Representatives Budget Committee, the Diet held intensive deliberations in response to U.S. tariff measures. Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized that regarding the Japan-U.S. negotiations starting this week, he is not necessarily insisting on an early conclusion to obtain a result that serves the national interest, and he wants to approach it with the most meticulous analysis possible.

In the House of Representatives Budget Committee on the morning of the 14th, Prime Minister Ishiba also attended, and intensive discussions were held on topics such as the tariff measures by the Trump administration in the United States.

Former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Saito of the Liberal Democratic Party said about the Japan-U.S. negotiations starting this week, Since tariffs are already imposed, it is desirable for the negotiations to conclude early, but there are situations where rushing can lead to a loss.

I think that the American economy will also be affected from now on, so we should approach negotiations with both short-term and long-term perspectives while observing the situation, he pointed out.

In response, Prime Minister Ishiba said, Haste makes waste.

I do not think that the policy of compromising more and more just to reach an agreement is desirable.

It is important to build a new relationship unique to allies.

I would like to approach it with the most meticulous analysis possible, he said.

Noda, the leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party, expressed a strong sense of crisis over U.S. tariff measures, stating that the scenario of a virtuous economic cycle, where wage increases exceed price rises, is being fundamentally overturned.

What determination and strategy will you use to negotiate with America?

In response, Prime Minister Ishiba stated, We are facing a national crisis, and I want to create a system where both the ruling and opposition parties can confront it together.

We must approach this with an all-Japan effort, thoroughly considering what each ministry can do and responding accordingly, he said.

Additionally, Representative Noda questioned whether the recent measures might constitute a violation of the Japan-U.S. Trade Agreement concluded between the Abe administration and the Trump administration in 2019, noting that at the time, Prime Minister Abe stated that while the agreement was in effect, additional tariffs would not be imposed on Japanese automobiles.

In response, Prime Minister Ishiba stated, We have serious concerns about whether or not it conflicts with the Japan-U.S. trade agreement.

We will consider what is most beneficial to national interests and what is most effective, keeping in mind countries like China and Russia, and respond accordingly, he said.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Ishiba said about the retaliatory tariffs against the United States, I do not believe it is in the interest of the people in a situation where food and energy prices are soaring.

I wont completely deny it, but its not something Im considering at the moment, he said.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that there is no fact that a supplementary budget or economic measures such as new cash benefits are being considered in response to high prices and U.S. tariff measures, which are being discussed within the ruling party.

The budget for fiscal year Reiwa 7, which includes measures to address rising prices, has been enacted, and we must carefully consider its implementation status.

We are not considering this as a handout aimed at elections, he stated.

Ritsumin Noda Representative: We want to actively engage, including making proposals, to compile immediate countermeasures. After the questions, Representative Noda told reporters, We were able to share a sense of crisis.

When discussing the basic attitude in negotiations, I intended to convey the feeling of I want you to be more resolute.

I think there will be various developments in the future, so I would like to ask questions in the relevant committee in a timely manner, and we will also compile immediate measures on the 17th, so I would like to actively engage, including making proposals, he said.