Press Conference by Minister Muto (Excerpt)

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

9:14 to 9:20 a.m.
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

None

Question-and-Answer Session

Nippon Steel’s proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel

Q: I would like to ask you about Nippon Steel’s plan to acquire U.S. Steel. The two companies filed lawsuits against former U.S. President Biden, who issued an order to halt the acquisition plan. Regarding this case, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a request for extending the period before the trial date of the case, and some reports said that, as of today, the two companies have agreed with the request. The reason for this is that the DOJ appears to have issued an announcement to aim for the court ruling to be no longer needed by letting the administration mull over having talks with the companies to come to a conclusion. First, could you comment on your views on the DOJ’s statement and the Japanese government’s future responses?

A: I am aware of the news report, but I would like to comment on it after confirming the situation. 

Q:  During your recent visit to the United States, did you talk with Secretary of Commerce Lutnick about the case?

A: No, I did not. I would like to comment on it after confirming the situation.

Actions to address the U.S. measures for additional tariffs

Q: Regarding the deliberations with the United States about the tariffs, following your visit to the United States last week, the administrative staff explained that the government will hold such deliberations at the administrative level as early as this week. Could you tell me about the current situation of preparations and deliberations, including whether or not the government will hold such deliberations?

A: I would like to give you a clear answer if I could, but unfortunately, these deliberations will be held at the administrative level. We are still making arrangements with the U.S. side, including the schedule.

Q: Has the government already set up the framework for the deliberations, or is it still planning to do so?

A: We are still working on this. I hope that you will wait a little longer.

Q: Okay. After your visit to the United States, the U.S. side mentioned agricultural products. Will these deliberations at the administrative level that you explained last week basically target the topics under METI’s jurisdiction or will the deliberations also target agricultural products?

A: Although the specific topics are still being arranged with the U.S. side, I can say that agricultural products were not the target of the deliberations as of the time of our press conference last week. Accordingly, I assume that we will hold deliberations based on METI’s stance.