Press Conference by Minister Muto (Excerpt)

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

10:59 to 11:06 a.m.
Friday, June 27, 2025
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

Visit to Aichi Prefecture

This afternoon, I will visit Nagoya to observe STATION Ai, one of the largest startup support centers in Japan, where I will hold a roundtable discussion with startup entrepreneurs and related people. STATION Ai opened in October of last year, and I understand that it is being used as a place to promote collaboration between startups and established companies by providing support services through cooperation with startup support organizations and universities from Japan and overseas. I would like to visit the community space and industry exhibits in the facility, and listen to the real voices of startup entrepreneurs to help us formulate policies to further accelerate the development of startups.

Question-and-Answer Session

Japan-U.S. tariffs negotiations

Q: I would like to ask about the Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations. Mr. Akazawa Ryosei, Minister in Charge of Economic Revitalization, is visiting the U.S. for the seventh round of negotiations. With the July 9 deadline looming for the suspension of the additional portion of the U.S. reciprocal tariffs, what stage do you see these negotiations at and what kind of results do you expect? Also, I think that if an agreement is not reached by the 9th of next month, the impact on the Japanese economy will increase. What actions would the government take to address the matter?

A: While we will not change our policy of not holding talks with a set deadline, we hope that the current talks will be fruitful so that we can reach an agreement that will benefit both Japan and the U.S., keeping in mind that the deadline for the additional portion of the U.S. reciprocal tariffs will be July 9. I will refrain from making comments based on speculation regarding the prospect for reaching an agreement, but as was reported yesterday at the ministry's Task Force for U.S. Tariffs, for example, the impact of the tariff measures on the automobile industry has already begun to materialize. We will continue to assess such impacts and will not hesitate to take additional actions if we deem it necessary.

Shipment of Canadian LNG to Japan

Q: I understand that Canadian LNG will soon be shipped to Japan for the first time, and in light of growing geopolitical risks, particularly in the Middle East, I believe this is a development of great significance for Japan. As the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, how do you view this milestone, and what are your expectations for the project going forward?

A: Regarding the LNG to be supplied from the LNG Canada project, in which Japanese companies are also participating, I understand that Japanese companies are planning to take delivery of approximately two million tons per year. The launch of LNG exports from Canada represents a highly meaningful development for Japan, increasing the supply of LNG that does not rely on transit through geographical choke points. At the same time, exports from Canada have the advantage of contributing to the diversification of procurement. I also believe that exports from Canada will contribute to the stabilization of the LNG market by adding depth to the market, which is prone to tight supply and demand on a global basis. In this sense, I expect this project to make a significant contribution to the stable supply of energy to Japan.