Japan unveils $15.5bn support package for SMEs hit by US tariffs
Japan’s government on Tuesday announced a 2.2 trillion yen ($15.5 billion) relief package designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) grappling with the impact of U.S. tariffs.
The initiative includes measures to improve corporate financing and ease loan terms through a government-backed lending agency, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi.
“We will provide full support for small and medium-sized enterprises affected by the U.S. tariffs,” Hayashi said during a press briefing.
Japan, a close U.S. ally and one of its largest investors, has been subject to a 10% baseline tariff—similar to most nations—as well as higher duties targeting key sectors such as automobiles, steel, and aluminum.
In early April, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced additional 24% “reciprocal” tariffs on Japanese imports. However, implementation of those measures, along with similar actions against other countries, has been postponed until early July.
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