Japan's tariff negotiation strategy likely to eye Ishiba-Trump deal on G7 fringe
Japan plans to create a strategy for its tariff negotiations with the United States with an eye toward allowing their leaders to strike a deal on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Canada in mid-June. One floated idea is for the two leaders to meet in the US right before the G7 gathering.
Japan has held a series of ministerial negotiations with the US on tariff measures by President Donald Trump's administration. Japan's chief negotiator in the talks is Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryosei.
Akazawa met US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in the latest round of talks in Washington on Friday.
Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru received a briefing from Akazawa about the meeting on Sunday.
Ishiba instructed him to place top priority on the negotiations and do everything possible so that the two nations can reach an agreement.
Akazawa later said Japan's economy, chiefly the automobile industry, has already suffered significant damage.
The minister pledged to make steady and quick efforts while taking the economic situation into account. He also expressed his resolve to realize a deal with the US at an early date without undermining national interests.
Akazawa is considering returning to the US late this week to attend another round of negotiations. The governments of both countries are expected to make arrangements for that meeting.
Japan has been asking the US to review the Trump administration's tariff measures. However, government sources say the US has not guaranteed such a review.
Japan is expected to conduct a further analysis of the US stance and pursue common ground.
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