Japan to Set Up 1,000 Consultation Centers Amid US Tariff Threat

Japan will establish around 1,000 consultation centers to assist businesses affected by US tariffs, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced on Tuesday. He vowed to continue pressing for an exemption from the levies, emphasizing Japan’s status as one of Washington’s closest economic and strategic allies. Japanese firms are among the largest investors in the United States, with approximately one in ten Japanese jobs linked to the auto sector.

US President Donald Trump has stated that he will announce on Wednesday which tariffs will be imposed on which countries, warning that all trading partners are at risk. He also confirmed that starting April 3, a 25 percent duty will be applied to all automobiles not manufactured in the United States.

Ishiba remained tight-lipped about the possibility of Japan imposing retaliatory tariffs on US imports but noted that he would discuss “details on responsive measures” with his ruling coalition. For now, aside from opening the consultation centers, he assured that the government would do everything possible to help small and mid-sized businesses secure funds once the US tariffs take effect.

“Japan is the biggest investor in the United States. With this in mind, we will continue to strongly call for Japan’s exemption,” Ishiba stated during a press conference. He also expressed his willingness to personally visit the United States if necessary to negotiate Japan’s position.

On Friday, the prime minister commented that Trump’s stance on tariffs was “difficult to understand” following the announcement of the 25 percent duties on cars and auto parts. “What President Trump is saying is that there are both friends and foes, and friends can be more difficult. This is very difficult to understand,” Ishiba remarked during a legislative committee session.