Leaders from Japan and Belgium have raised alarms about the economic impact of potential U.S. tariff measures, with both nations pledging to protect domestic industries.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba warned on Tuesday that U.S. tariffs are already affecting Japanese businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Following an emergency meeting at the prime minister's office, the government announced plans to subsidize electricity and gas bills while providing financial support for struggling SMEs.
The profit forecasts of several Japanese companies have been revised downward due to the U.S. measures, the NHK cited Ishiba as saying.
Japan and the United States are scheduled to hold another round of tariff negotiations in Washington on May 30, according to Japanese media reports.
Japanese Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa, the chief negotiator for Japan, said on Tuesday that Japan would carefully advance discussions to reach an agreement with the U.S., while ensuring Japan's interests are not compromised in any hasty deal.
The upcoming talks will mark the fourth round of negotiations between the two nations, with the previous rounds failing to bridge differences. Japan has consistently demanded a complete removal of additional U.S. tariffs, but American negotiators have maintained a negative stance on this core request.
Meanwhile, in Belgium, Matthias Diependaele, the minister-president of Flanders, cautioned that U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed 50 percent tariffs on EU imports would severely hit key Belgian export sectors. The pharmaceutical industry would be the hardest hit, followed by mechanical engineering, transportation equipment, and chemical sectors, he said.
In 2024, the Flanders region alone exported 26 billion euros (29.4 billion U.S. dollars) worth of goods to the U.S., and the U.S. tariffs would dramatically increase export prices, Diependaele said.
Japan, Belgium voice concerns over U.S. tariff measures
Japan, Belgium voice concerns over U.S. tariff measures
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
