‘Investment, Not Tariffs,’ Says Ishiba After Phone Call with Trump Ahead of Third-Round Trade Talks
Japanese political heavyweight Shigeru Ishiba emphasized the importance of promoting investment over imposing tariffs following a phone conversation with former U.S. President Donald Trump, just days before the third round of bilateral trade negotiations is set to begin.
Speaking to reporters after the call, Ishiba described the discussion as “frank and forward-looking,” highlighting mutual economic interests and the need for cooperation rather than confrontation.
“President Trump and I agreed that the future of U.S.-Japan trade relations should be defined by increased investment and innovation, not by punitive tariffs,” Ishiba stated. “Tariffs create uncertainty. What we need is long-term economic growth, fueled by partnership and strategic investment.”
The third round of trade talks between Japanese and U.S. officials is expected to center on key sectors such as automobiles, agriculture, and digital trade. Japan remains wary of Trump’s previously aggressive stance on trade deficits and his history of leveraging tariffs as a negotiating tactic.
During his presidency, Trump imposed tariffs on various global trading partners, often sparking trade tensions. Although he is no longer in office, Trump remains a major political figure in the United States, with influence over Republican trade policy positions and future leadership platforms.
Ishiba, a former defense minister and a prominent figure in Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has been vocal in supporting a rules-based international trade order. He is seen by some as a pragmatic voice in Japan’s political landscape, advocating for stronger economic ties with the U.S. without succumbing to protectionist pressures.
In the upcoming trade dialogue, Tokyo aims to solidify bilateral investment frameworks, ensure market access for Japanese goods, and protect its industries from the unpredictability of tariff threats.
Economic analysts view Ishiba’s message as a signal that Japan is looking to maintain a steady and mutually beneficial relationship with Washington, especially in an era marked by shifting geopolitical alliances and growing global competition in high-tech industries.
“Stable trade relations are essential for our economic security,” Ishiba said. “Let us choose cooperation over conflict, growth over barriers.”
Observers note that both sides have incentives to reach a productive agreement. The U.S. continues to seek stronger ties in the Indo-Pacific region, while Japan is prioritizing economic resilience and international collaboration amid global economic uncertainty.
The third round of U.S.-Japan trade talks is scheduled for early next week, with hopes that the discussions will pave the way for a more comprehensive and forward-looking economic partnership.
Source : Swifteradio.com
