Japan refuses to yield on Trump’s tariff threat: ‘We will not be taken advantage of’

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called it ‘a battle for our national interests’ as analysts warn of economic and security fallout

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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, raises his fist after delivering a speech in the southwestern Japan city of Kagoshima on Monday. Photo: Kyodo

Published: 8:00am, 11 Jul 2025Updated: 11:42am, 11 Jul 2025

Tokyo says it is standing firm on trade after US President Donald Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on all Japanese imports, with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba vowing to do what was best for his country rather than yield to pressure from Washington.

In a speech on Wednesday in Chiba prefecture, Ishiba declared: “This is a battle for our national interests. We will not be taken advantage of. Even if it is an ally, we must speak honestly. We will protect what needs to be protected.”

The comments come amid rising tensions over Trump’s decision to begin imposing the blanket levy – a move analysts say could cripple bilateral trade and strain a security alliance that has underpinned the post-war regional order in East Asia.

In his comments, Ishiba stressed Japan’s long-standing contributions to the US economy and strategic interests, pointing out that the country has been Washington’s largest investor and a major job creator for nearly 80 years.

The tariffs are part of Trump’s broader “Liberation Day” trade agenda, unveiled in April, which seeks to slash trade deficits by imposing sweeping levies on countries he accuses of exploiting the US. After a 90-day window for negotiations yielded limited results – with only the UK and Vietnam securing exemptions – the White House confirmed on Monday that a 25 per cent tariff on all Japanese and South Korean imports would take effect from August 1.

Since the announcement, Ishiba’s administration has repeatedly said that Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa is ready to return to the US for further talks and that Tokyo remains committed to reaching a breakthrough – though the chances of that now appear slim.

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