TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Wednesday emphasized the importance of safeguarding national interests during tariff negotiations after the United States (US) threatened to increase tariffs on Japan.

Speaking at a party leader debate, Ishiba said Japan is the largest investor in the United States and one of the biggest creators of jobs there, making it "a different case from other countries."

While reducing US trade deficit is important, he emphasized that investment, rather than tariffs, is the fundamental solution.

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The remarks came as US President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism over the ongoing negotiations with Japan, floating the idea of further increasing tariffs to 30 percent or 35 percent.

Japan currently faces a 25 percent US-imposed tariff on automobiles and auto parts, and a 50 percent tariff on steel and aluminum. Despite prior ministerial-level rounds of negotiations, little progress had been made in the country's attempt to seek tax exemption.

In 2024, Japan's automobile exports to the United States made up 28.3 percent of Japan's total exports to the country.

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According to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, approximately 1.37 million vehicles were exported to the United States in 2024.