NHK reported today that Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Seko discussed at a news conference this morning the U.S.’s reported plan to slap higher tariffs on Japanese auto exports on the grounds that they constitute a national security threat. Seko pointed out that while Japan exports 1.74 million cars to the U.S. annually, Japanese automakers also manufacture 3.68 million cars, or twice the number of exports, in the U.S., providing more than 1.5 million jobs. He was quoted as emphasizing that the auto industries in the two countries are closely integrated in  R&D, production, and parts manufacturing, and Japanese automakers contribute to the growth of American industry, so “imports of cars and parts from Japan do not pose a security threat to the U.S.” Seko also revealed that he will depart for Paris today, where he will meet with USTR Lighthizer. He said that although the agenda for the meeting is still under coordination, he will raise the auto issue if necessary.