Ishiba: US Tariff Talks & G7 Summit
- Tokyo is pushing to accelerate tariff talks with the United States, hoping to reach a consensus during the upcoming Group of seven summit, according to Prime Minister Shigeru...
- Ishiba, speaking from Kyoto, noted progress in the negotiations, which include discussions on trade expansion, nontariff measures, and bolstering economic security.
- The prime Minister also mentioned a recent phone conversation with U.S.
Japan and the United States are racing against the clock to finalize an agreement on tariff talks, aiming for a breakthrough at the G7 summit, according to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Discussions between Japan’s top tariff negotiator and U.S. officials already cover trade expansion, nontariff measures, and economic security, signaling a complex negotiation. the current round of negotiations involved the U.S. and Japan eyeing cooperation in shipbuilding plus Japan positioning its icebreaker technology. Speaking from Kyoto, Ishiba highlighted that a face-to-face meeting could be on the cards at the G7 summit. Akazawa reiterated that an agreement would only be reached as a extensive package. Read the full story on News Directory 3. Discover what’s next in this pivotal trade relationship.
Japan Eyes US Tariff Agreement by G7 Summit
Updated May 25, 2025
Tokyo is pushing to accelerate tariff talks with the United States, hoping to reach a consensus during the upcoming Group of seven summit, according to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. His remarks followed the latest round of discussions between Japan’s top tariff negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, and U.S. officials in Washington.
Ishiba, speaking from Kyoto, noted progress in the negotiations, which include discussions on trade expansion, nontariff measures, and bolstering economic security. He emphasized Japan’s commitment to refining these discussions with the G7 summit as the target.
The prime Minister also mentioned a recent phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, where they discussed security, diplomacy, and tariffs, expressing mutual interest in a face-to-face meeting at the G7 summit.
Japan has also signaled its willingness to collaborate with the U.S.in shipbuilding, with ishiba highlighting potential assistance in repairing U.S. warships. He also pointed to Japan’s expertise in icebreakers, crucial for Arctic trade routes, as another area for potential cooperation.
Akazawa, upon returning from Washington, indicated that the schedule for the next round of Japan-U.S. talks is being arranged. He expressed his desire to meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during his next visit to the U.S.
“An agreement will be reached only when all elements are settled as a package, meaning that until everything is agreed upon, nothing is agreed upon,” Akazawa told reporters at Haneda Airport.
Akazawa refrained from commenting on the extent of progress made, emphasizing that a final agreement hinges on resolving all elements comprehensively.
what’s next
Both nations are expected to continue negotiations in the coming weeks, striving to bridge remaining gaps and finalize a extensive trade agreement before the G7 summit.