Press Conference by Minister Muto (Excerpt)

*Note: This is a provisional translation for reference purposes only.

8:32 to 8:38 a.m.
Friday, January 31, 2025
In front of the Cabinet Room, 2nd floor, National Diet Building

Opening Remarks

None

Question-and-Answer Session

President Trump’s policy of strengthening tariffs

Q: I would like to ask you about the response to President Trump’s tariff policy. Tomorrow will be February 1, when the tariffs that President Trump is considering against Mexico, Canada, and China will take effect. While he is considering imposing tariffs, ranging from 10% to 20% universally on foreign countries including Japan, a media report has said that officials in charge of economy and industry, foreign affairs, finance, and defense, led by Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi, have been holding a series of meetings on how to respond.

In this situation, under what framework is the government actually considering how to respond? Also, regarding the tariffs, please tell me once again what worries you most now.

A: Regarding President Trump’s remarks, I assume that relevant ministries and agencies are continuing consultations day by day on various matters related to the situation regarding the United States. On those matters, discussions are being held at various levels under close cooperation. Japanese companies have built supply chains in Mexico, Canada, and China. While we cannot make assumptions about the U.S. tariff measures, with that point in mind, we will sufficiently examine the specifics of the measures and the effects on Japan, which will become clear from now on.

In any case, I believe that we must continue efforts to develop the Japan-U.S. economic relationship in a way that contributes to the national interests of Japan.

Imports of U.S.-produced LNG

Q: I also have a question related to the Trump administration.
Amid media reports that a Japan-U.S. summit meeting will be held soon, please tell me what kind of action you are considering taking concerning LNG procurement.

A: The expansion of natural gas production by the Trump administration through measures such as the revocation of the temporary suspension of export permission for LNG will contribute to the stability of the global market, and I understand that this will naturally improve predictability concerning LNG procurement by Japan.

As for the Japan-U.S. summit meeting, nothing has been decided as of now, but I expect that meaningful discussions will be held so that the Japan-U.S. economic relationship can be deepened and developed in a way that contributes to the national interests of Japan.

Standard for the enforcement of security clearance

Q: I understand that at today’s cabinet meeting, a cabinet decision was made on the standard for the enforcement of the security clearance system, under which only persons authorized by the government can handle information for the purpose of protecting classified information for economic security reasons. I believe that this system will affect research and development on semiconductors and other advanced technologies. Please tell me about your reaction to that.

A: When the security clearance system, on which the cabinet decision was made earlier, has been put into effect, it will become possible to provide sensitive information owned by the government to private-sector business operators capable of appropriately protecting information. Using this system is expected to promote the response to the risk of technology leakage through public-private cooperation. While the cabinet decision on the enforcement standard was made today, we will make full preparations ahead of May 16, when the system will be put into effect, so that it can be used smoothly by private-sector business operators.

President Trump’s policy of strengthening tariffs

Q: Returning to the Trump tariff issue, President Trump earlier expressed once again his intention to impose tariffs against Mexico and Canada starting on February 1. On the other hand, Mr. Lutnick stated that it is possible to avoid the tariffs. Given the impact on Japanese companies, is it possible that the government of Japan will make some efforts or provide some kind of assistance to avoid tariffs?

A: Basically, as the tariffs take effect on February 1, consultation counters at JETRO and other organizations have already started operation. As the nominee for the Secretary of Commerce has not yet been confirmed, realistically, I will refrain from mentioning what action to take on this occasion now. In any case, as I mentioned earlier, we must think of the interests of both Japan and the United States, so we will continue to closely examine this matter in that way.