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The government of Japan exchanged views with the shipping industry on possible impacts of U.S. tariffs last week. State Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Yasushi Furukawa met a with representatives from Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” Line) and the Japanese Shipowners’ Association (JSA).
Speaking of the U.S. tariff and other polities, the shipping industry said there are uncertain outlooks for the global economy and freight movements. Future prospects are far from optimistic, such as a contraction projected in shipments to and from the U.S. If port entry fees are imposed in accordance with Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, they will act as a major barrier to Japan’s oceangoing shipping business and the soundness of global supply chains, the representatives said. They, as such, asked the state minister to call on Washington to reconsider or abolish such policies.
In response, Furukawa said that the entire government will share the opinions and requests he had that day and that it will consider taking appropriate actions.
