According to ChainCatcher, Japan has signaled its readiness to reach a better trade tariff agreement with US President Donald Trump, rather than risking domestic political backlash. Japan is eager to avoid any deterioration in relations with Washington, with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba initially prioritizing being the first country to enter the US negotiation table.
However, officials and analysts say that business leaders and members of Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party are demanding that he reject any agreement that threatens the automotive industry or endangers domestic farmers, forcing him to reconsider. "Although Japan was very eager to be the first country to negotiate tariffs with Washington, this urgency has now shifted, with the focus being on ensuring Japan obtains a good agreement," a Japanese official stated. Officials indicate that an agreement is unlikely before the Japanese House of Councillors election in late July, which is expected to be a significant test for the highly unpopular Ishiba government.
