Press Conference by Minister Muto (Excerpt)

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

9:11 to 9:19 a.m.
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

FY2025 basic policy on governmental contracts with SMEs

A cabinet decision was made today on the FY2025 basic policy on governmental and other public contracts with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The policies are set annually to provide SMEs and small enterprises with more opportunities to receive orders from the government and other public agencies. This fiscal year, new provisions have been added to the basic policies, including requiring the procurement side, such as the national government, to have discussions with each supplier at least once a year even if the supply side does not request such.

The new provisions, including the one that I have mentioned, were added for the national and local governments to serve as a role model to help SMEs to carry out price pass-through. In order to ensure compliance with this policy by the procurement organizations of the national and local governments, we will make the necessary explanations to such organizations in collaboration with related ministries and agencies.

Question-and-Answer Session

Actions to address U.S. tariff measures

Q: U.S. President Trump has been criticizing Japan’s non-tariff barriers. In particular, the President cited a bowling ball test as an example of protective technical standards. Some have pointed out that this claim is based on a misapprehension of fact. In light of President Trump’s claims like this one, how will you proceed with bilateral negotiations?

Yesterday, you had a meeting of the Task Force for U.S. Tariffs, in which I know the need to implement domestic measures was pointed out. Please tell us what measures the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is planning to implement in Japan in relation to the tariffs.

A: As for the President Trump’s comment on the bowling ball test, I heard about it on the news. However, concerning each comment made by the U.S. side, I would like to refrain from expressing my view or describing Japan’s response measures. Going forward, we will identify the items that the U.S. side thinks problematic and steadily explain our ideas about the items as part of our effort to promote communication with them. I think we need to make dialogue with them in this way. For our policies on future negotiations, we will work and cooperate with the team led by Mr. Akazawa Ryosei, Minister in Charge of Economic Revitalization.

Also, for the other question, we held the Third Task Force for U.S. Tariffs yesterday. We have made an interim report about the survey on the impact of the U.S. tariffs. I think the important point is that people have many concerns about the future, although the direct impact of the tariffs has been limited so far. In response to a strong request made by businesses for the prompt provision of correct information, METI has opened a portal website for the purpose. We will continuously strive to provide relevant information in an easier-to-understand manner. Also, we have received requests for financial and other support. Accordingly, we will implement additional measures by listening to the opinions of those affected and in view of the actual situation.

Q: The United States Trade Representative (USTR) referred to CHAdeMO, Japan’s unique charging standard, as a non-tariff barrier in the National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers (NTE Report) issued at the end of this March. For the CHAdeMo standard and the target of EV charging station subsidies, please let us know Japan’s perception and ideas. Will you include the standard in the items to be negotiated between the two countries?

A: As for the CHAdeMO charging standard, I am aware of the fact that the standard adopted in Japan differs from the one adopted by Tesla of U.S. and of the issues pointed out regarding the adapter. I think we need to conduct examinations and share information with Minister Akazawa’s team regarding this.

Basically, I understand that Tesla car users can use CHAdeMO charging equipment if they have an adapter for it, but if the U.S. side regards the CHAdeMO standard as a non-tariff barrier, it might be included in the items to be negotiated between the two countries, for which, however, we need to carefully examine the details.