Japan hopes for special treatment as Trump hints at auto tariff hike
KYODO NEWS - 6 minutes ago - 14:53 | All, World, Japan
Japan expects to be treated differently to other countries once it clinches a deal with the United States on tariffs, Tokyo's top negotiator said Friday, after U.S. President Donald Trump signaled a further rise in import levies on cars.
"Once bilateral negotiations are finalized, I think Japan will be given special treatment separate from the rule that applies to most countries," Ryosei Akazawa said at Tokyo's Haneda airport prior to his departure for the United States for the sixth round of ministerial-level tariff negotiations.
Trump said Thursday he may raise tariffs on auto imports in the near future in a bid to attract more investment in American manufacturing. He also asserted that all manufacturing in the United States is "surging," thanks to the 25 percent tariffs on cars and auto parts his administration imposed earlier this year.
Another hike in U.S. tariffs on cars would further hurt Japan's mainstay automotive industry.
Akazawa will be visiting Washington for the fourth time in as many weeks, aiming to make progress in the talks ahead of an envisioned meeting between Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Trump on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Canada early next week.
Part of the focus of the negotiations has been on whether Tokyo can secure concessions on auto tariffs.
Japan has also called for the removal of other additional sector-based tariffs as well as reciprocal tariffs, while Trump is seeking to reduce his country's massive trade deficit with Japan.
Related coverage:
Japan PM hopes for progress in U.S. tariff talks, in no rush for deal
Bessent says 90-day tariff pause could be extended for key partners
Japan, U.S. eye Ishiba-Trump summit in Canada on G7 margins
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