Trump vows rapid action on Japan trade gap, hints at tariffs
President Donald Trump announced after a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba that he plans to "very quickly" eliminate the $100 (£80) billion trade deficit with Japan. The US President did not rule out the possibility of imposing tariffs on the country. He also announced investments by the Japanese steel giant Nippon Steel in US Steel.
During a press conference, Trump reported on the planned investments by Japanese steel giant Nippon Steel in the American company US Steel. The President emphasised that instead of a takeover, Nippon Steel will invest in the development of the American company.
"And we're going to meet with Nissan next week, the head of Nissan, very great company, and they'll work out the details. I'll be there to mediate and arbitrate," Trump announced, mistaking the name of the Japanese company.
Trump stressed that the United States will conduct trade with Japan on the principles of fairness and reciprocity. He added that he is considering imposing tariffs on Japan – and also on many other countries – to level the trade barriers. However, he assessed that he does not expect any country to suffer from this.
Ishiba pleased with the talks
The US President assessed that the sale of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Japan could significantly contribute to the reduction of the trade deficit. Both countries are in talks about building a pipeline in Alaska as a joint venture.
Prime Minister Ishiba emphasised the good atmosphere of the talks and expressed a desire to balance the trade by purchasing American gas.
Encouraged by Trump, he criticised the previous US administration for not allowing the export of the raw material to Japan. Ishiba also added that although Trump seems "frightening" on television, in personal contact, he was "very sincere and very powerful." However, he refused to answer whether he would impose retaliatory tariffs on the USA.
