It’s reported, without confirmation yet, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will travel to Japan on May 24. He will meet Japanese Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi to resume trade negotiations. Trump declared auto-imports as threat to national security last week. And Lighthizer will have 180 days to complete the trade agreement. Otherwise, Trump might start imposing tariffs on autos and parts from Japan.
The claim of auto imports as national security threat to US infuriated Japanese maker Toyota Motor. Toyota said in a statement that Trump’s proclamation “sends a message to Toyota that our investments are not welcomed, and the contributions from each of our employees across America are not valued.”
Toyota added “our operations and employees contribute significantly to the American way of life, the U.S. economy and are not a national security threat”. Toyota added that “history has shown” that limiting imports is “counterproductive in creating jobs, stimulating the economy and influencing consumer buying habits.” “If import quotas are imposed, the biggest losers will be consumers who will pay more and have fewer vehicle choices.”
