Japanese PM: We ‘cannot accept’ US auto tariffs

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says his country “cannot accept” potential U.S. auto import tariffs being considered by the Trump administration. 

“It’s hard for Japan to understand and we cannot accept it,” Abe said in a session of the Japanese parliament, according to NPR. 

Trump has instructed Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to investigate whether auto imports pose a national security risk to the U.S. The investigation lays the groundwork for the administration to use a law to raise tariffs up to 25 percent on imported auto parts and vehicles.

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Abe, who is set to meet with Trump on June 7 in Washington, said he would make Japan’s concerns known and called for trade discussions under World Trade Organization rules. 

Automakers and free trade advocates in both countries are opposing the potential tariffs, warning they could wreak havoc on both countries’ economies.

The U.S. is the largest market for Japanese car imports.

A new study says the tariffs could boost the U.S. auto sector by nearly 92,000 jobs, but would cost a total of 250,000 jobs across other industries in the country.