Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akazawa said on Friday that new U.S. tariff measures are regrettable [1].

The move signals a significant escalation in trade tensions between the two allies, potentially disrupting supply chains and increasing costs for Japanese exporters.

Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo shortly after 1 p.m. local time, Akazawa said that Japan will be subject to a tariff rate of 12.5% [1]. The Trump administration's new policy targets a total of 60 countries and regions [1].

Akazawa said that the measures are unjustified because Japan conducts its trade according to international rules [3]. "Our country's industry and trade are carried out in accordance with international rules, and the current measure of imposing tariffs on our country is regrettable," Akazawa said [1].

Despite the friction, the minister said that Japan will continue to maintain close communication with the U.S. to address the situation [2]. He said the need to ensure that the outcome does not leave Japan at a disadvantage [3].

The Japanese government maintains that its trade practices are transparent and compliant with global standards, a position that contradicts the current U.S. administration's justification for the broad tariffs [3].

“"the current measure of imposing tariffs on our country is regrettable"”

The imposition of a 12.5% tariff on Japanese goods suggests a shift toward a more aggressive unilateral trade policy by the U.S. administration. By grouping Japan with 59 other countries and regions, the U.S. is prioritizing broad protectionist goals over specific bilateral alliances, forcing Japan to balance its security partnership with the U.S. against the economic necessity of protecting its export-driven industry.