Thu Mar 27 02:04:00 UTC 2025: ## Japan Threatens Retaliation After Trump Imposes 25% Tariff on Auto Imports
**Tokyo, Japan –** Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba vowed Thursday to explore all options in response to US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on imported cars and light trucks, effective next week. The move, which President Trump expects will generate $100 billion in tax revenue, significantly escalates the ongoing global trade war.
Prime Minister Ishiba highlighted Japan’s substantial investment in and job creation within the United States, questioning the fairness of uniform tariffs applied across all nations. He stated, “Japan is a country that is making the largest amount of investment to the United States, so we wonder if it makes sense for (Washington) to apply uniform tariffs to all countries.”
The tariff is expected to severely impact Japan’s economy, as automobiles constituted 28.3% of its total exports to the US in 2024, according to the Ministry of Finance. Ishiba emphasized the need to prioritize Japan’s national interests, declaring that “We’re putting all options on the table in considering the most effective response.” He did not specify what retaliatory measures Japan might take. The announcement comes amidst a growing global concern over the increasing trade protectionism initiated by the Trump administration.
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