Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Monday issued his strongest warning yet over the potential global impact of US trade policies, cautioning that tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump could disrupt the international economic order.
Speaking before parliament ahead of key bilateral trade talks scheduled to begin Thursday, Ishiba acknowledged the risks Trump’s tariff measures pose to global stability but also signalled Japan’s willingness to find common ground with the United States on economic and security issues.
“In negotiating with the United States, we need to understand what’s behind Trump’s argument, both in terms of the logic and the emotional elements behind his views,” Ishiba said.
“I am fully aware that what’s happened so far has the potential to disrupt the global economic order,” he added.
While Ishiba ruled out a supplementary budget for now, he said the government stands ready to respond swiftly should economic conditions worsen as a result of US tariffs.
The upcoming trade talks are expected to address a broad range of issues including tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and currency exchange rates. On Sunday, President Trump said he would announce a new tariff rate on imported semiconductors within the coming week.
Japan’s Economy Minister, Ryosei Akazawa, who is leading the trade negotiations, said currency matters would be discussed separately between Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
“Both countries share the view that excessive market volatility would have adverse effects on the economy,” Kato told parliament.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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