Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Friday that Donald Trump's views on tariffs were "difficult to understand" after the US president announced 25 percent levies on imported cars and parts. This is very difficult to understand,

A strong U.S. security ally with a large trade surplus, Japan has few options for retaliating against the tariffs. Instead, it is bracing for an economic hit.

I recognize that the impact that this will have on the economy will be very big, — said the country's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday. Exports are a major driver of Japan's economic growth. — We will take all possible measures so that this won’t affect domestic industries or employment,