Japan’s top tariff negotiator, Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa, is set to return to the United States on May 30 for a fourth round of high-stakes trade talks, just days after his current visit, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The accelerated schedule underscores Japan’s urgency to resolve ongoing disputes over U.S. tariffs on Japanese autos and steel, a persistent thorn in bilateral economic relations.
Akazawa’s upcoming trip will include a meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is unavailable for the third round of talks scheduled this Friday in Washington.
The current round involves U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, but Bessent’s absence has prompted Japan to seek additional dialogue next week. Sources indicate Bessent had previously signaled reluctance to meet Akazawa until after this weekend, though no specific reasons were disclosed.
The intensified negotiations follow a 45-minute phone call on Thursday between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Donald Trump, initiated at Trump’s request.
The leaders discussed tariffs, economic cooperation, and security issues, with Ishiba reiterating Japan’s firm stance on demanding the elimination of U.S. tariffs.
Our position remains unchanged, Ishiba told reporters after the call, noting that Trump did not delve into specifics on tariffs but expressed mutual interest in an in-person meeting at the upcoming Group of Seven summit in Canada next month. Ishiba also hinted at a potential U.S. visit to meet Trump directly.
At the heart of the talks is a significant divide: Washington’s reluctance to reduce its auto and steel tariffs contrasts with Tokyo’s push for their complete removal.
To protect its auto industry—a cornerstone of Japan’s economy—Tokyo is prepared to offer concessions, including cooperation in shipbuilding, relaxed certification requirements for U.S. vehicle imports, and increased imports of American corn and soybeans, one source told Reuters.
Akazawa, speaking to reporters before departing for Washington, emphasized the need for a “win-win” agreement. “We aim to find common ground after thoroughly considering the U.S. side’s proposals and perspectives,” he said, declining to confirm Bessent’s attendance at the current talks, noting only that U.S. participation depends on officials’ schedules.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
The rapid pace of these negotiations reflects the high stakes for both nations. Japan, heavily reliant on its automotive exports, faces pressure to secure favorable terms while maintaining economic stability.
The U.S., meanwhile, continues to prioritize its domestic industries, particularly in steel and automotive manufacturing.
As both sides navigate these complex talks, the outcome will likely shape the trajectory of U.S.-Japan economic relations ahead of the G7 summit.
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