U.S. President Trump announced new tariffs on 14 countries, with Japan and South Korea facing rates as high as 25%. While Taiwan was not included in this list, many are closely watching the developments. Former Representative to Japan Hsieh Chang-ting analyzed on Facebook that with the Japanese Senate elections coming up in late July, the government could not afford to make concessions at this time.

Hsieh pointed out that Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba might see this tariff increase as an opportunity to boost support for himself and his ruling party. He noted that while Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on Japan positions it as the most important ally and largest investor for the U.S. in Asia, many Japanese are disappointed with this outcome and concerned about its potential impact on the economy.

The Japanese government subsequently held an emergency meeting to discuss countermeasures. Prime Minister Ishiba instructed to continue negotiations with the U.S., asserting that “we must not make concessions lightly; we must defend what needs to be defended and fight for what needs to be fought for.” He analyzed that the U.S.-Japan trade disputes primarily revolve around automobiles and agricultural products, with the former involving differences in steering wheel placement, fuel consumption, and limited parking space, making immediate resolution difficult. Regarding agricultural products, although Trump recently complained that “Japan does not buy U.S. rice during its own shortage,” Japan has a long-standing tradition of protecting its agriculture, and many agricultural regions support the Liberal Democratic Party; therefore, the government is unlikely to yield ahead of the July elections.

Hsieh emphasized that as an experienced politician, Ishiba should know how to seize the moment and successfully convey the message that the government will not concede to protect Japan's agriculture, industry, and transportation safety, which could potentially garner greater support for him and the ruling party.