Press Conference by Minister Muto (Excerpt)

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

8:32 to 8:42 a.m.
Friday, April 11, 2025
In front of the elevator hall, 2nd floor, Annex to the House of Representatives

Opening Remarks

Visit to Osaka; Opening of EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan

To begin I would like to mention one thing.
Tomorrow, April 12, I will be going on a one-night trip to Osaka Prefecture to attend the opening and other ceremonies for EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The exposition is opening at long last and welcoming the general public from the day after tomorrow.

EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai will be a perfect opportunity for Japan to interact more deeply with the world, promote Japan’s appeal worldwide, and accelerate regional revitalization initiatives. I hope to ensure that the exposition serves as a setting where ingenious ideas for the future world can be shared to spark inspiration, especially among children, who are our future. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry （METI） intends to make all-out efforts to raise excitement and lead the event to success.

Question-and-Answer Session

Actions to address U.S. reciprocal tariffs

Q: The situation with tariffs has been quite unsettling these days. What are your thoughts about the announcement of a 90-day pause on the additional portion of the U.S. reciprocal tariffs?

A: I am aware of the U.S. government’s announcement. Meanwhile, Japan still remains among the countries subject to “reciprocal tariffs” and tariffs on steel and aluminum products, and on automobiles and automobiles parts. My perception is that nothing has changed with this challenging situation that could have immense impact on Japan’s industries and employment.

We will continue to strongly urge the United States to review the series of related measures, while taking all possible measures to protect our domestic industries and employment.

Point raised about CHAdeMO in National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers (NTE Report)

Q: In relation to tariffs, I’d like to ask you about non-tariff barriers. In the NTE Report issued by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in March, CHAdeMO, the Japanese EV charging standard, was criticized as an obsolete technology. The report points out that American vehicles don’t sell well in Japan because compliance with CHAdeMO is required as a condition for receiving subsidies for charging stations and only CHAdeMO charging facilities are permitted for installation on expressways. How does METI perceive this criticism? Do you think CHAdeMO may potentially be used as leverage in negotiating with the Trump Administration?

A: I am aware of the report announced by the USTR. It is unclear whether the CHAdeMO standard is a factor contributing to the weak sales of American cars in Japan. In any case, we are listening to the views of the U.S. government as necessary in the process of communicating with the United States side.

Understanding the impact of U.S. automobile tariffs

Q: Let me ask you a question in relation to tariffs. As you mentioned earlier, the automobile tariffs still remain applicable, and I believe that METI has been sending its minister, state ministers, and others to hear from relevant companies such as Mazda Motor Corporation and SUBARU CORPRATION. What opinions have they expressed? What do you think about the concerns about a possible slowdown in government-driven momentum to establish income growth that can inflation?

A:  I am aware of the details of the U.S. measures, and we are continuing to strongly urge the U.S. government to review its tariff measures, but meanwhile, we are also making proactive efforts to understand their impacts. On April 7, State Minister Koga visited Gunma Prefecture, and yesterday, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Kato traveled to Mazda in Hiroshima to exchange views with the automobile manufacturers and their suppliers.

Through our communications, we are hearing numerous facts and opinions, including those pointing out how difficult it is to understand the details of the U.S. tariff measures. We will therefore provide information in a manner that is easier to understand.

We will continue our proactive ministry-wide efforts to collect information and discuss additional responses in consideration of the circumstances.