Japan is among one of the first countries that fly to negotiate with the U.S. President Donald Trump over the so-called reciprocal tariffs that Washington apply to 75 countries, including Japan due to their trade imbalance. The first round of talks went well, according to Trump, saying that there was big progress with Japan.
On Wednesday, President Trump joined Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to meet with Ryosei Akazawa, Japan’s Economic Revitalization Minister, to negotiate about the imposed tariff.
The island nation faced a 24% tariff from the U.S. before receiving a 90 days pausing period along with almost all of the U.S.’ trade partners. However, Japan still faced the 10% universal tariff rate and the 25% tariff for vehicles import, which could cost the island nation $17 billion.
Before the meeting, Trump and Bessent mentioned several topics, such as the Japan payments for hosting U.S. soldiers, the trade deficit the U.S. has with several nations, including Japan, and the possible Japanese investment on gas projects in Alaska.
Later after the meeting, Akazawa stated that he strongly requested the removal of the tariff during the meeting and did not share much other detail. He still confirmed another meeting this month between two nations while stating his hope to achieve a “win-win” situation without tariffs.
The Japanese negotiator stated that Trump now viewed the deal with Japan as a “top priority,” and believed that the U.S. wanted to secure a deal in the pause period. The president himself also posted on social media that the meeting was a “Big Progress.”
After the talk with Japan, the U.S. will hold talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni later in the day. South Korea Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will be visiting the White House next week.
Besides them, there are 72 more nations who want to discuss with Trump regarding tariffs he imposed.
