Japan putting 'all options on table' in dealing with US auto tariffs, PM Ishiba says

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Thursday Tokyo will put "all options on the table" in dealing with Washington's announcement to impose a 25% tariff on automobile imports.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday unveiled a 25% tariff on imported cars and light trucks starting next week, widening the global trade war he kicked off upon regaining the White House this year.

"Japan is making significant amounts of investment to the United States. It's also creating jobs," Ishiba told parliament.

"Japan is a country that is making the largest amount of investment to the United States, so we wonder if it makes sense for (Washington) to apply uniform tariffs to all countries. That is a point we've been making and will continue to do so," he said.

Analysts say the move could deal a heavy blow on Japan's economy given its reliance on auto exports to the United States.

Automobiles made up 28.3% of Japan's total exports to the United States in 2024, the biggest ratio among all items, according to Ministry of Finance data.

"We need to consider what's best for Japan's national interest. We're putting all options on the table in considering the most effective response," Ishiba said, without elaborating on the possible steps Tokyo may take.

(Reporting by Leika Kihara and Satoshi Sugiyama; Editing by Kim Coghill and Lincoln Feast.)