Trump: 'Big progress' after meeting with Japanese trade delegation

Trump: 'Big progress' after meeting with Japanese trade delegation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump reported "big progress" following his meeting with a Japanese trade delegation at the White House. The meeting, which took place on April 17, 2025, saw the participation of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, both of whom have been instrumental in Trump's trade and tariff policies.

The talks focused on addressing the ongoing tariff disputes between the United States and Japan, as well as the escalating pressure over military cost-sharing. Japan has been pushing for exemptions from the U.S. tariffs, which have caused significant economic disruption. The Japanese delegation was led by Ryosei Akazawa, the newly appointed Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization.

Trump's involvement in the negotiations underscores his commitment to resolving trade tensions quickly, as the 90-day pause on tariffs is set to expire soon. The president has emphasized his desire to finalize trade agreements swiftly to avoid potential economic fallout. Japan, which has a longstanding alliance with the U.S., is among the first countries to engage in open negotiations.

The meeting resulted in "big progress," according to Trump, though specific details of the agreement remain unclear. The U.S. administration has been seeking to close the $68.5 billion trade deficit with Japan and secure greater access for U.S. goods in Japanese markets. However, the Trump administration has also insisted that tariff revenues could be used to pay down the federal budget deficit.

The Japanese delegation, led by Akazawa, has expressed a willingness to negotiate in good faith to protect national interests. Akazawa praised Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for their professionalism and expertise, indicating a potential for a productive relationship moving forward.

The meeting comes amidst growing global uncertainty surrounding Trump's trade policies. While the U.S. president has been lauded as a master negotiator, his tariffs have sparked fears of recession and economic instability. China, for instance, has been actively promoting itself as a more reliable trade partner in the face of these uncertainties.

The meeting also coincides with a lawsuit filed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who argues that Trump overstepped his authority in declaring an economic emergency to levy tariffs. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has warned that the tariff policies could hurt the U.S. economy, potentially leading to higher inflation and slower growth.

As the talks continue, both sides will need to navigate complex economic and political landscapes to achieve a mutually beneficial agreement. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the global economy and U.S.-Japan relations.