Abe, Trump Intensify Trade Talks Ahead of G7 Summit

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe initiated a call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday to discuss tariff issues. The conversation, which lasted 25 minutes, was the second between the two leaders in less than a week. This frequent communication highlights both nations' eagerness to reach a trade agreement swiftly. Abe and Trump are scheduled to meet at the G7 summit in Canada in mid-June, with Abe hinting at a possible visit to the U.S. before the summit if necessary.

During the call, Abe emphasized that the dialogue had deepened mutual understanding between the two countries. The U.S. dollar showed a general downward trend against the Japanese yen on the same day. Abe noted that the call was initiated by Japan and that the two leaders have been in close contact recently, indicating a strong desire to finalize a trade deal.

The call further solidified the momentum towards a U.S.-Japan trade agreement. During the negotiations, Trump's shift in stance on Japanese steel acquisitions of U.S. steel was seen as a positive signal towards Japan. Japan's chief trade negotiator, Hiroshi Kato, is set to travel to Washington for the fourth round of U.S.-Japan tariff talks, coinciding with a U.S. court ruling that deemed Trump's tariffs invalid.

Despite the court ruling, the negotiations between the U.S. and Japan are proceeding as planned. Kato stated that while they are aware of the court decision, they will refrain from commenting on its potential impact on the talks. Instead, they will carefully analyze the ruling and its implications before responding appropriately. Kato also expressed hope for a meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.

The ongoing dialogue between Abe and Trump, along with the scheduled negotiations, highlights the commitment of both nations to resolving trade issues and fostering a mutually beneficial relationship. The potential visit by Abe to the U.S. before the G7 summit further underscores the urgency and importance of these discussions. The frequent communication and the potential visit by Abe to the U.S. before the G7 summit further underscore the urgency and importance of these discussions. The frequent communication and the potential visit by Abe to the U.S. before the G7 summit further underscore the urgency and importance of these discussions. The frequent communication and the potential visit by Abe to the U.S. before the G7 summit further underscore the urgency and importance of these discussions.