Editorial

16:06 JST, April 4, 2025

This is an outrageous move that will destroy the free trade system that has been the driving force behind the development of the global economy since the end of World War II.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s high-tariff policy, which focuses solely on his own country’s interests, is completely unacceptable. Japan must work with the European Union and other countries and regions to strongly demand the United States withdraw the policy.

On April 2, Trump announced the details of “reciprocal tariffs,” the most comprehensive high-tariff policy of his second term.

In addition to imposing a blanket 10% tariff on each country, he will add a tariff rate on each of the about 60 countries and regions he has identified as the “worst offenders” in trade relations.

Total tariff rates for various countries and regions include 24% for Japan, 20% for the EU and 46% for Vietnam. The United States has already imposed an additional 20% tariff on China, and will add on another 34%.

The blanket 10% tariff will take effect on April 5 and the additional amount on April 9. Separately, a 25% tariff was imposed on automobiles starting April 3.

Since the end of World War II, the United States has led the free trade system, taking the initiative by lowering tariffs to help develop the global economy and also playing a role in having democracy take root.

This is an astonishing situation........

© The Japan News