Japan Begins High-Stakes Tariff Talks with US as Trump Attends in Person

Japan Begins High-Stakes Tariff Talks with US as Trump Attends in Person

Washington Hosts First Major Trade Test of Trump’s New Term

Japan and the United States are set to begin crucial tariff negotiations in Washington, with President Donald Trump personally attending the meeting. This marks one of the earliest efforts by a foreign government to test Trump’s approach to international trade in his second term.

Trump Signals Personal Involvement

In a post on Truth Social, Trump confirmed his attendance, stating that the discussions will focus on tariffs, military support costs, and “trade fairness.” He will be joined by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to reshaping trade deals.

Tariffs in Focus

Japan currently faces 24% tariffs on its exports to the U.S., though these have been temporarily paused for 90 days. However, a 10% universal tariff remains, alongside a 25% duty on automobiles—a key sector in Japan’s export-driven economy.

Japan Seeks Cooperation Without Concessions

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has taken a cautious stance, stating that Japan will not rush into an agreement or offer significant concessions. He has ruled out retaliatory measures for now, emphasizing a desire to reach a mutually beneficial solution.

Leverage and Imbalance in Negotiating Power

Kurt Tong, managing partner at The Asia Group and former State Department official, noted the lopsided nature of the talks. “The U.S. is offering to not hit Japan with sticks, and Japan is stuck in a position of offering a whole lot of carrots,” he said, describing the process as a form of economic coercion.

Wider Scope: Energy, Exchange Rates, and Military Costs

Besides tariffs, the U.S. side may push for progress on non-tariff barriers, exchange rate policies, and Japanese investment in American energy projects—particularly a multi-billion dollar gas project in Alaska.

The Trump administration is also expected to raise the issue of Japan’s financial contribution to U.S. military bases, which represent the largest overseas deployment of American troops.

Japan’s Negotiating Team

Japan’s top trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, will lead the talks, meeting with Treasury Secretary Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Akazawa expressed hope that expanded Japanese investment in the U.S. could help secure a “win-win” outcome that avoids deepening tensions.

Global Context: U.S. Engaging Multiple Countries

The talks come as Washington steps up its global trade campaign. Bessent recently met with Vietnam’s deputy prime minister and is scheduled to host South Korea’s finance minister next week. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is also due in Washington to discuss U.S. tariffs on the European Union.

Uncertain Outcomes Ahead

The specific agenda for the Japan-U.S. discussions remains unclear, but the outcome could shape how other countries approach their own negotiations with the Trump administration. For now, Japan is balancing firm diplomacy with strategic restraint.

“Japan Begins High-Stakes Tariff Talks with US as Trump Attends in Person” “Japan Begins High-Stakes Tariff Talks with US as Trump Attends in Person” “Japan Begins High-Stakes Tariff Talks with US as Trump Attends in Person” “Japan Begins High-Stakes Tariff Talks with US as Trump Attends in Person”