The Japan Times: Trump’s tariffs undermine America's security, business and credibility

As part of our leadership of the U.S. Congressional Study Groups on Japan and South Korea, we often take a delegation of House members to visit our partnering countries — trips that are marked by protocol and mutual respect between long-standing allies. But this year was different.

In Japan, formal diplomatic courtesies gave way to something rare: visible frustration. Senior leaders conveyed a sense of betrayal — sharply criticizing the United States’ recent tariff threats as a breach of trust.

In South Korea, business leaders voiced concern that new tariffs on semiconductors, electric vehicles and clean energy technologies could risk triggering a global recession. They stressed that this uncertainty threatens hard-won gains in our economic partnership.

Our allies are right to be concerned — and we share their alarm.

Slapping double-digit tariffs on imports from Japan and South Korea is not only economically reckless but strategically dangerous. These tariffs undercut two of our most important alliances in the region at a time when we need them most.

In the case of South Korea, the U.S. has a congressionally ratified free-trade agreement under which the Asian nation maintains virtually no tariffs on American goods. U.S. President Donald Trump is now arbitrarily and unconstitutionally overriding that deal by imposing these tariffs on a whim.

To make matters worse, the American people will be the ones footing the bill. Small businesses and firms are already pulling back on investment due to growing uncertainty.

While Trump touts these measures as “reciprocal,” the reality is that these are deeply misguided economic policies with serious long-term impacts for American consumers and our global reputation.

Last month, the Consumer Confidence Index fell by over five points, a reflection of the uncertainty felt by households and investors alike. We’re seeing further volatility driven not by market forces but by Trump’s turbulence.

Investors have even coined a new acronym, TACO, for Trump Always Chickens Out — a strategy where markets dip after a tariff announcement only to rebound when the president inevitably retreats. It’s a careless maneuver he’s pulled with over 55 countries since April. And it’s bad for business and for America’s credibility on the world stage.

While the American president may tout the "massive deal" he reached this week with Japan — lowering tariffs from his threatened 25% to 15% — the reality is that a 15% rate still marks a sharp increase that will carry significant economic costs.

What’s at stake here goes beyond economics. The U.S., Japan and South Korea are the backbone of stability in the Indo-Pacific. At a time of rising aggression from China, strengthening trilateral cooperation is imperative.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met with Trump at the White House to reaffirm their bilateral relationship. And the South Korean government pledged to accelerate trade negotiations to ensure economic stability. Both countries came to the table in good faith only to be met with haphazard threats and punitive actions.

That’s no way to treat a friend and it’s certainly no way to lead on the world stage. Our allies are watching closely. That’s why we must stand up and make clear that these tariffs do not reflect our values or our vision for the future.

Instead of erecting trade barriers, we should be breaking them down — deepening economic integration and reinforcing the strategic alignment we need to outcompete our mutual adversaries. Alienating Japan and South Korea does not strengthen our hand in the Pacific. It weakens it — and further cedes leadership in the region to China.

Under Article I of the U.S. Constitution, it is Congress — not the president — that holds the power to regulate foreign commerce, impose tariffs and collect revenue. Yet President Trump continues to sidestep constitutional authority, inflicting lasting damage to our economy and our alliances.

With Republicans now in control of both chambers, it’s time for them to reverse course and bring these reckless actions to heel. The U.S. Congress must reassert its constitutional responsibility. The stakes are too high — for the U.S. economy, for U.S. alliances and for America’s global leadership.

Japan and South Korea have been the cornerstones of America’s alliances in the Indo-Pacific for nearly 80 years. Recognizing the need for U.S. legislators to better understand our alliances, our trade partnerships and the geopolitics of the region, the Congressional Study Group on Japan was established in 1993 and the Congressional Study Group on Korea was established in 2018.

As co-chairs of these two long-standing and bipartisan groups, we want to speak directly to the people and elected leaders of Japan and South Korea: Trump may have abandoned free trade, but the American people have not.

We’re committed to doing everything we can in Congress to stop these misguided policies and reaffirm our enduring commitment to our allies in the Indo-Pacific.