Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe defends its automakers against U.S. import investigation

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stated on Monday he would like to convince President Donald Trump of the important role his country’s automakers play in increasing the U.S. economy.

The Trump administration decided last week to start a national security investigation into auto imports that could result in new U.S. tariffs comparable to those imposed on imported steel and aluminum.

“Japanese automakers have created jobs and made huge contributions to the U.S. economy,” Abe informed parliament, when asked by a lawmaker how Japan would reply to the U.S. move.

“As a country that prioritizes a rule-based, multilateral trade system, Japan believes that any steps taken on trade must be in line with World Trade Organization rules,” he stated.

The estimates of cars Japanese automakers produce in the United States is twice the number it exports to the country, Abe stated.

Abe also stated Tokyo keep urging Washington to join the multi-lateral Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

“Japan has explained to the United States its stance that TPP is the best format for both nations. We will continue to talk with the United States based on this view,” he stated.