ISTANBUL

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon on Tuesday discussed free trade amid Trump tariffs during a phone conversation.

Ishiba expressed his wishes to continue to work with New Zealand, emphasizing that New Zealand is an invaluable partner in promoting a free and open international order in the Indo-Pacific region, according to a statement from Japan’s government website.

“The two leaders held discussions on a wide variety of economic fields, including increased uncertainty in the global economy and the multilateral free trade system,” the statement said.

Both leaders also agreed to continue exchanging views and further strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in the field of security.

Japan has called on the US to lift its 25% import duty on cars. While a 24% reciprocal tariff has been paused until June 15, the US continues to apply a 10% baseline tariff along with levies on steel and aluminum.

Trump also imposed a 10% tariff on imports from New Zealand.