Press Conference by Minister Muto (Excerpt)

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

9:23 to 9:33 a.m.
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

None

Question-and-Answer Session

Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations

Q: On May 30, Minister Akazawa was in Washington for the fourth round of ministrial tariff negotiations between Japan and the United States. After the talks, the minister announced that they made progress in discussions toward agreement, and that another round of talks would be held before the G7 summit. What is your perception of the fourth round of talks and what do you expect from the fifth round?

A: Mr. Akazawa Ryosei, Minister in Charge of Economic Revitalization, talked with Mr. Scott Bessent, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, and Mr. Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce, in the latest round of tariff negotiations. I am aware that both sides fully recognized the stance of the other and confirmed they made progress in reaching agreement. As far as I know, the schedule for the next round has not yet been decided at this point. Building on the outcome of the previous discussions, the Government of Japan will devote its concerted and full efforts to the tariff negotiations as its top priority. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) will work closely with the team led by Minister Akazawa.

Nippon Steel’s plan to acquire U.S. Steel

Q: At a recent rally in Pittsburgh, President Donald Trump delivered remarks on Nippon Steel’s proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel. While he welcomed the deal, the president reiterated that the American steelmaker would remain under U.S. control. How will METI monitor the process going forward?

A: I am aware of what President Trump said at the rally, but I would like to wait for an official announcement from the Government of the United States. As I mentioned before, I believe that related parties in the private sector are in the process of examining and adjusting the specific investment plan, and the Government of Japan will help foster communication between the parties as necessary.

U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports

Q: I would also like to ask about the U.S. tariff measures. President Trump announced that the United States would double a current 25% tariff on steel and aluminum to 50% on June 4. What is your view on this measure and how will Japan respond to it?

A: I am fully aware of the announcement. We need to thoroughly examine details of the measure and its impact on Japan, and will take all necessary measures. I refrain from commenting on its impact on the ongoing tariff negotiations based on speculation, yet I must say that we find the series of U.S. tarif measures deeply regrettable and I strongly urge a reconsideration.

Enforcement of the Act on Power Sources for Green Transformation and Decarbonization

Q: I would like to ask about the Act on Power Sources for Green Transformation and Decarbonization, which will come into full effect on June 6. This act will allow nuclear reactors to operate beyond 60 years. What is your view on the putting into effect of this act, in light of the effective use of nuclear power and the extention of reactors’ service life beyond 60 years?

A: The relevant laws have been revised under the Act to establish a system of extending the operating life of nuclear reactors, with a view to utilizing existing reactors to the maxium possible extent.

With electricity demand expected to increase, it is extremely significant to fully use existing reactors while ensuring safety as a prerequisite. This should be conducive to securing a resilient power supply structure, keeping electricity prices from rising, and ensuring decarbonized power sources. METI will steadily implement this system to achieve these objectives in accordance with the provisions of the Electricity Business Act and the review criteria.

U.S. President Trump’s promotion of nuclear energy

Q: In the United States, President Trump signed executive orders to promote nuclear energy. What is your thought on this move to promote the operation of nuclear power plants in the United States?

A: I think the background to the move is probably the current increase in electricity demand, which seems to have become a significant issue in the United States. Given the many nuclear power plants still existing in the country and the experience of the Three Mile Island accident, I think that the United States is giving utmost priority to safety in its endeavor to promote its nuclear policy. Considering the fact that nuclear power plants are being restarted around the world, including in Europe, I believe that Japan should carefully consider its nuclear power policy, while giving top priority to safety and learning from the lessons of the accident in Fukushima.