Comprehensive Response Headquarters for U.S. Tariff Measures

On April 11, 2025, Prime Minister Ishiba held the second meeting of the Comprehensive Response Headquarters for U.S. Tariff Measures at the Prime Minister’s Office.

At the meeting, the participants engaged in discussions on the response to U.S. tariff measures.

Following the discussion, the Prime Minister said:

“With regard to U.S. tariff measures, while we have seen the U.S. government partially suspend the imposition of reciprocal tariffs against countries other than China, the situation remains unchanged in that the tariffs could have a serious impact on domestic industries that support Japan, such as the automobile and steel and aluminum industries, as well as on the entire global economy.

It is crucial to push ahead with diplomatic efforts, including strongly urging the U.S. government to reconsider the measures. I myself spoke on the telephone with President Trump, conveyed Japan’s position, and confirmed that the two countries will each appoint an official in charge and pursue candid and constructive discussions.

As such, I appointed Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization Akazawa as the minister responsible for negotiations with the United States. He will take charge of discussions with the country and general coordination over support for domestic industries, along with State Minister Ogushi and Parliamentary Vice-Minister Kunisada.

In addition, today we will launch two organizations. First is a Comprehensive Response Taskforce, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi and Minister Akazawa as its co-chairs, under the Comprehensive Response Headquarters. We will also establish an Office for the Comprehensive Response Headquarters, with Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Sato as its secretary-general and senior officials from the Cabinet Secretariat and relevant ministries and agencies serving as its members.

We will build a Japan-wide organization and structure where officials from the relevant ministries and agencies will go beyond the boundaries of ministries and agencies under the leadership of Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi and Minister Akazawa to negotiate with U.S. counterparts and work on necessary measures for domestic industries.

Once again, I ask the relevant ministers to keep the following points in mind.

First, please conduct a detailed examination of the tariff measures, including the partial suspension of reciprocal tariffs yesterday, and make a thorough analysis of their potential impact.

Second, please promote cooperation among the relevant ministries and agencies under the leadership of Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi and Minister Akazawa to push ahead with efforts, including strongly urging the U.S. government to reconsider the measures.

Third, please ensure the provision of all essential support, including financing support programs, given the impact of the tariff measures on domestic industries.

I request the relevant ministers to cooperate and collaborate with the newly established taskforce and make government-wide efforts. That is all from me.