Japan-US Trade Talks: Akazawa Reports Progress on Tariffs
- concluded a fifth round of trade negotiations aimed at resolving tariff disputes,according to Ryosei Akazawa,Tokyo's chief tariff negotiator.
- officials including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, emphasized the urgency of the situation.
- While Akazawa refrained from detailing specific progress, he acknowledged the importance of reaching an agreement before the Group of Seven (G7) leaders summit scheduled to begin June 15.
Japan, US Navigate Trade Talks Amid Tariff Pressure
Updated June 7, 2025
Washington—Japan and the U.S. concluded a fifth round of trade negotiations aimed at resolving tariff disputes,according to Ryosei Akazawa,Tokyo’s chief tariff negotiator. the ongoing discussions focus on the significant economic impact of existing tariffs on key sectors.
Akazawa, speaking in Washington after meetings with U.S. officials including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, emphasized the urgency of the situation. He noted that tariffs on autos, auto parts, steel, and aluminum—some as high as 50% plus a 10% general tariff—are causing ample daily economic losses for Japan.The talks address the critical role of trade policy and the need for a swift resolution.
While Akazawa refrained from detailing specific progress, he acknowledged the importance of reaching an agreement before the Group of Seven (G7) leaders summit scheduled to begin June 15. At the summit, U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Japan also faces a potential 24% tariff increase in July if no deal is reached.
“We want an agreement as soon as possible,” Akazawa said. “The G7 summit is on our radar, and if our leaders meet, we want to show what progress has been made. Still we must balance urgency with a need to guard our national interests.”
Previous discussions have included potential bargaining chips such as U.S. defense equipment purchases, shipbuilding technology collaboration, revisions to automobile import standards, and increased agricultural imports.
Japan has reportedly proposed a mechanism to reduce auto tariff rates based on countries’ contributions to the U.S. auto industry.Though, Akazawa reiterated that Japan’s basic position remains unchanged: the existing tariffs are unacceptable.
What’s next
Both nations will likely continue negotiations, seeking common ground before the G7 summit to alleviate tariff pressures and foster a more stable trade environment. The future of trade relations hinges on finding a balance between urgency and national interests.