Press Release

Joint Briefing by the MHLW and the METI on U.S. Tariffs

On August 25, a joint briefing session was held for the Japan Federation of Medical Devices Associations (JFMDA) regarding U.S. tariffs, organized by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
A summary of the session and remarks made by JFMDA Chairman Yamamoto were published on the JFMDA website on September 4.
https://www.jfmda.gr.jp/comment

At the session, government representatives explained the results of U.S. tariff negotiations and the government’s future approach to address concerns related to U.S. tariff measures. This was followed by an exchange of views with industry representatives, where JFMDA Chairman Yamamoto, JFMDA Vice Chairman Takiguchi (also Chairman of JIRA), and others shared the industry’s opinions and requests.

Chairman Yamamoto of JFMDA expressed appreciation for the government’s success in securing results through tough negotiations with the United States on tariff measures. At the same time, he requested continued negotiations to exclude medical devices from the tariff measures. He also conveyed industry concerns that financial support from the government would be necessary to mitigate the negative impacts of U.S. tariffs and to ensure the stable supply of medical devices.

Vice Chairman Takiguchi of JFMDA (Chairman of JIRA) commented:

• While expressing gratitude to government officials for their efforts in reaching an agreement, he regretted that medical devices, previously tariff-free, will now be subject to a 15% tariff.
  
• He noted that industry associations in Europe and the U.S. continue to call for zero tariffs on medical devices, and if tariff rates are set differently from competing countries, there are concerns that this will lead to a decline in the international competitiveness of domestic companies in the U.S. market. Therefore, he requested further action from the government.

JIRA’s Future Initiatives

• JIRA supports JFMDA’s request to exclude medical devices from tariff measures, as well as AdvaMed’s call for zero for zero tariffs or a return to MFN tariff rates. Furthermore, in order to address the global challenges related to U.S. reciprocal tariffs, JIRA will work closely with JFMDA, AdvaMed, and COCIR (the European Coordination Committee of the Radiological, Electromedical and Healthcare IT Industry) to exchange information and will continue to gather relevant data.
  
• In particular, JIRA will closely monitor developments in the expansion of zero-tariff medical devices in Europe and the U.S., collect and provide related information to member companies, and convey member companies’ opinions and requests to the authorities.