British, Japanese PMs voice opposition to trade war as both facing US tariffs

IANS April 11, 2025 142 views

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba have joined forces to condemn escalating US trade tensions. Their diplomatic coordination signals growing international resistance to protectionist economic policies. The United States currently maintains substantial tariffs on steel, aluminum, and car imports, creating significant market uncertainty. Both nations are actively seeking negotiations to mitigate potential economic damage and preserve global trade relations.

"A trade war does not benefit anyone" - Keir Starmer, British Prime Minister
London, April 11: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and both agreed that a trade war does not benefit anyone.

Key Points

1

Bilateral opposition to US tariffs threatens global economic stability

2

UK seeks removal of car import taxes

3

Japan plans high-level trade negotiations with US

This meeting happened as the United States kept a 10 per cent tariff on most countries, as well as a 25 per cent import tariff on steel and aluminium, and car parts, Xinhua news agency reported.

Washington's controversial new set of tariffs has stirred tensions in recent weeks, hitting global markets hard, sparking backlash from other countries and drawing widespread criticism from economists and investors.

According to a Financial Times report, Starmer acknowledged earlier that it is unlikely the United States will remove the new 10 per cent tariff on all British imports, and the prime minister is trying to persuade the US president to lift the 25 per cent tariff on British cars.

British economists have warned that mounting uncertainty, weaker exports, and rising costs are likely to weigh on growth and employment across the country's key sectors.

Also on Thursday, Japan announced plans to send Economic Revitalisation Minister Ryosei Akazawa to the United States for tariff negotiations as early as next week.

President Trump on Thursday said trading partner countries that are not able reach an agreement with the US by July 9, when the 90-day pause ends, goods coming to the US from there will be tariffed at the reciprocal rate announced originally.

Reader Comments

S
Sarah K.
Finally some world leaders pushing back against these tariffs! Trade wars hurt everyone in the long run. Hope they can convince the US to reconsider 🤞
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Michael T.
As someone working in the auto industry, these tariffs could cost me my job. Glad to see our PM taking action but I wish they'd move faster - July deadline is coming quick.
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James L.
Interesting to see UK and Japan teaming up on this. Maybe more countries should form alliances to push back against protectionist policies.
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Anna P.
While I agree tariffs are problematic, I wish the article provided more context about why the US implemented them in the first place. There's always two sides to these stories.
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Rajesh N.
The economic domino effect here is worrying. First tariffs, then weaker exports, then job losses... When will leaders learn that global cooperation is better than isolation?
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Emma S.
Japan sending their economic minister shows how serious this is! Hope the negotiations go well. The global economy can't afford more instability right now 😟

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Tags:
Trade War Keir Starmer Shigeru Ishiba US Tariffs Economic Diplomacy
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