Japan tariff negotiator Akazawa arranging US visit as early as this weekend for trade talks, TV Asahi reports

Japan tariff negotiator Akazawa arranging US visit as early as this weekend for trade talks, TV Asahi reports

Japan's chief tariff negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, is set to travel to the United States as early as this weekend to engage in high-level trade talks. The visit comes amidst ongoing negotiations between Japan and the U.S., with both sides aiming to reach a mutually beneficial agreement before the upcoming G7 summit in June [1].

The negotiations are particularly crucial given the recent escalation of U.S. tariffs, which have had a significant impact on Japan's economy. Japan's exports, measured by value, gained 2% in April from a year earlier, slowing from March's 4% due to the tariffs [2]. The tariffs have also been a major concern for Japan's job market, with the country's jobless rate ticking up to 2.5% in March [3].

Akazawa's visit to the U.S. follows a series of high-level discussions and phone calls between Japanese and U.S. officials. In May, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump, and Ishiba and Trump engaged in a phone call to discuss tariffs [4]. Despite these efforts, Japan has maintained a hard-line position, insisting that all new tariffs be removed [5].

The upcoming negotiations are expected to focus on various aspects of the trade relationship, including tariffs, market access, and intellectual property rights. Japan is particularly concerned about the impact of U.S. tariffs on its automotive industry, which is a significant contributor to the country's economy [6].

Japan's commitment to maintaining a stable and predictable trade relationship with the U.S. is evident in its recent actions. In May, Japan's finance minister, Katsunobu Kato, reaffirmed the country's commitment to letting markets set currency rates, avoiding discussions on a target yen-dollar rate [7].

As the negotiations progress, both Japan and the U.S. will be looking to find a balance between their respective economic interests. The outcome of these talks will have significant implications for the global economy, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

References:
[1] Japan touts ships expertise and LNG investment, with tariff talks key. [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/383/yoshiaki-nohara](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/383/yoshiaki-nohara)
[2] Japan’s exports slow as U.S. tariffs bite, risking a recession. [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/383/yoshiaki-nohara](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/383/yoshiaki-nohara)
[3] Japan’s job market stays tight, supporting wage momentum. [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/383/yoshiaki-nohara](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/383/yoshiaki-nohara)
[4] Ishiba and Trump talk tariffs in second phone call this month. [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/5450/francis-tang](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/5450/francis-tang)
[5] Japan confirms hard-line position ahead of possible tariff talks in Washington. [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/5450/francis-tang](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/5450/francis-tang)
[6] Trump tariffs may spell economic crisis for Japan, Onodera says. [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/383/yoshiaki-nohara](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/383/yoshiaki-nohara)
[7] Japan and U.S. reaffirm commitment to letting markets set currency rates. [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/5450/francis-tang](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/5450/francis-tang)