Editorial

16:39 JST, April 10, 2025

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed the full breadth of his “reciprocal tariffs.” The free trade system that has supported the postwar world is on the verge of crisis.

The Japanese government must continue to stress the importance of free trade to the United States. At the same time, the government also must map out a strategy from a long-term perspective with an eye toward changes in the international order centered on the United States.

On April 9, the U.S. government implemented the second round of reciprocal tariffs, targeting about 60 countries and regions with which the United States has large trade deficits. This is in addition to the blanket 10% tariffs imposed as the first round.

The tariffs are applied to Japan at 24% and the European Union at 20%. The tariffs on China, which has been engaged........

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