The US will impose a 25% tariff on imports from Japan from August 1st. This is a 1% increase from the reciprocal tariff rate of 24% proposed in April. The Japanese government has been negotiating diligently, but this is the result. It cannot be called a success. It is closer to failure. If you look at it cynically, perhaps the Trump administration deliberately came up with such harsh figures in order to replace Ishiba administration. With the House of Councillors elections looming, this result will only be a painful setback for Ishiba administration. Is a change of government after the House of Councillors election inevitable? (Kei)

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