Japan PM Ishiba After Meeting Trump Voices Optimism Over Averting

Ishiba says no talk with Trump on automobile tariffs at top


Trump recognises Japan's US big investment, job development


LNG, steel, AI and automobiles are areas Japan can invest in US


Nippon Steel will operate under US management, staff


Japan will not raise defence costs without public assistance


TOKYO, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba revealed optimism on Sunday that his country might prevent higher U.S. tariffs, stating President Donald Trump had "identified" Japan's big investment in the U.S. and photorum.eclat-mauve.fr the American tasks that it creates.


At his first White House top on Friday, public broadcaster NHK, he explained to Trump how numerous Japanese car manufacturers were creating jobs in the United States.


The two did not specifically discuss car tariffs, forum.altaycoins.com Ishiba said, although he said he did not understand whether Japan would be subject to the reciprocal tariffs that Trump has actually said he plans to trouble imports.


Tokyo has up until now escaped the trade war Trump let loose in his first weeks in workplace. He has announced tariffs on items from Canada, Mexico and China, although he postponed the 25% duties on his North American neighbours to permit talks.


The intensifying trade stress because Trump went back to the White House on January 20 threaten to rupture the international economy.


Ishiba said he believes Trump "recognised the truth Japan has actually been the world's largest investor in the United States for 5 straight years, and is for that reason various from other nations."


"Japan is producing lots of U.S. tasks. I believe (Washington) won't go straight to the idea of higher tariffs," he said.


Ishiba voiced optimism that Japan and the U.S. can prevent a tit-for-tat tariff war, worrying that tariffs must be put in location in a manner that "benefits both sides".


"Any action that exploits or excludes the opposite won't last," Ishiba said. "The concern is whether there is any problem in between Japan and the United States that necessitates imposing greater tariffs," he added.


Japan had the highest foreign direct investment in the United States in 2023 at $783.3 billion, followed by Canada and Germany, according to the most current U.S. Commerce Department data.


Trump pressed Ishiba to close Japan's $68.5 billion annual trade surplus with Washington however revealed optimism this might be done quickly, smfsimple.com provided a pledge by Ishiba to bring Japanese investment in the U.S. to $1 trillion.


On Sunday, Ishiba identified melted natural gas, steel, AI and automobiles as areas that Japanese business could buy.


He likewise discussed Trump's guarantee to look at Nippon Steel investing in U.S. Steel, instead of purchasing the storied American business - a planned purchase opposed by Trump and obstructed by his predecessor, Joe Biden.


"Investment is being made to ensure that it remains an American company. It will continue to run under American management, with American employees," Ishiba said. "The bottom line is how to ensure it remains an American company. From President Trump's point of view, this is of utmost importance."


On military costs, another area where Trump has actually pressed allies for increases, genbecle.com Ishiba said Japan would not increase its defence spending plan without first winning public backing. "It is essential to make sure that what is deemed required is something the taxpayers can understand and support," he said. (Reporting by Leika Kihara: Additional reporting by Tim Kelly; Editing by William Mallard)