Press Conference by Minister Muto (Excerpt)

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

9:35 to 9:50 a.m.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building
 

Opening Remarks

None

Question-and-Answer Session

Actions to address the U.S. tariff policy

Q: I would like to ask you about the tariff policy under the U.S. Trump Administration. The Trump Administration has been implying that it will introduce a new tariff policy for semiconductors, smartphones and other products. The Japan side led by Mr. Akazawa Ryosei, Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization, will be engaging in negotiations with the U.S. government. How does the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) see the current situation and what negotiation policy will METI take? Please also tell us what policies METI considers to propose to the U.S. side, if any.

A: I am aware of the media announcement on the point you mentioned. We must closely examine the concrete details of the U.S. measures and their impact on Japan and take appropriate actions accordingly. We are currently conducting proactive research on the situation in Japan, but at our consultation counters, as well as on our visits to manufacturers, we have received numerous comments expressing confusion resulting from different information and requests for accurate information. In response, we are looking to offer a one-stop service that offers accurate information on U.S. tariff measures and have just instructed our administrative staff to get this done. As for the status of discussions with the United States and Japan’s discussion policy, I will refrain from making any comments because revealing details will hinder the talks. Anyway, the entire government will support Minister Akazawa in addressing the negotiation.

Non-tariff barriers in the automobile market

Q: I would like to ask about a matter related to the U.S. tariff measures. The Trump Administration pointed out that non-tariff barriers exist in the Japanese automobile market. I would like to ask you whether the current automobile market in Japan has what METI considers to be a non-tariff barrier, and why.

A: I am aware of the various comments made by the U.S. government and its officials on the so-called non-tariff barriers regarding automobiles. As I mentioned earlier, I believe we need to understand what the U.S. side perceives as problematic and also explain our ways of thinking as we engage in dialogues on different levels.

Their concerns probably span a wide range of matters including safety standards and infrastructure such as CHAdeMO, an EV-charging standard. I presume we will be making adjustments on a variety of such matters.

Impact of the U.S. tariff policy on the Rapidus project

Q: Japan’s Rapidus aims for production and eventually mass production in Japan based on U.S. technologies. I hear that so far, the company has been in negotiations to undertake contract production services for mainly U.S. companies. Meanwhile, the Trump Administration is advocating the revival of the manufacturing industry in the United States, stressing its intention to attract production to the country. We hear that U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick has also said that semiconductors should be manufactured in the United States. Are there any concerns that the Rapidus project will become embroiled in the so-called deal-making approach of the Trump Administration? What kind of discussions have taken place with the Trump Administration over the Rapidus project? Please share your thoughts on what kind of explanations the Japanese government intends to offer going forward.

A: I understand your concerns, but I would like to refrain from making any comment on Japan’s policy regarding the hypothetical facts you pointed out. At any rate, it was clearly stated in the United States-Japan Joint Leaders’ Statement in February that the two nations will seek to collaborate to lead the world in developing critical technologies such as leading-edge semiconductors. It is also a matter of course that the Japanese government will continue to hold dialogues with the U.S. government, and I also believe that the two nations will need to deepen their collaborative relationship in terms of semiconductors. I am aware of the relationships between Rapidus and US companies such as IBM, as well as its interactions with the U.S. government. The current situation involving semiconductors is still unclear, and it is undecided whether they will be subject to tariffs or not, but we should stay calm and take solid steps with a focus on the future. Rapidus is at the starting line of development now, so we will take steady actions and proceed with discussions with the United States in pursuit of a win-win outcome for the semiconductor market.

Actions to address U.S. tariff measures on automobiles

Q: In relation to automobile tariffs, the U.S. Trump Administration revealed that it was contemplating measures to assist auto manufacturers if they relocate their production base from Canada, Mexico and so forth to the United States. Has the Japanese government confirmed whether Japanese manufacturers are also eligible for the support measures? How do you perceive the measures?

A: I am aware of the media report. Specific actions in response to this will probably be included among the agenda items for Minister Akazawa’s visit to the United States, so I will refrain from making any comment at this point in time, but I do think we will need to closely monitor their remarks about tariffs, including about semiconductors as we discussed earlier.