Japan urges fair trade as U.S. plans new tariffs

Anadolu Agency

As Washington prepares to impose new tariffs, Japan has voiced concern over global trade tensions, urging stronger support for multilateral economic systems during ASEAN talks in Kuala Lumpur.

Japan on Thursday called for a “free, fair and open” international economic order after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on Japanese imports.

Speaking during a meeting with foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Kuala Lumpur, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya reaffirmed Tokyo’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the regional bloc.

Highlighting ASEAN’s growing role in the global economy, Iwaya said the group is “at the center of global growth” and key to regional peace and prosperity.

In response to the planned U.S. tariffs, Iwaya stressed the importance of preserving and strengthening the multilateral trading system, particularly with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core.

President Trump announced on Monday that the U.S. will impose 25% tariffs on imports from Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia starting August 1.

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