Defense spending can be Japan's bargaining chip on Trump tariffs: expert

Investment in U.S. also provides chance for trade-offs, says Johns Hopkins' Calder

20250326N Japan defense

Increased defense spending by Japan may persuade U.S. President Donald Trump to soften tariffs on the country, according to Kent Calder of John Hopkins University. (Photo by Konosuke Urata)

NAOYA YOSHINO

TOKYO -- As U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to impose tariffs on Japan and other trading partners, Tokyo could negotiate a softening of the duties by offering to increase defense spending, Kent Calder, director of the Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies at John Hopkins University, told Nikkei.

Edited excerpts from the interview follow.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.