Japan tariff talks are set to resume this week as Ryosei Akazawa travels to the United States once again. Akazawa, Japan’s top economic negotiator, plans to meet U.S. officials for a sixth round of talks. This trip marks Akazawa’s fourth U.S. visit in as many weeks. He continues pushing for relief from tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump’s trade regime.
Akazawa will meet Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick again in Washington. These meetings follow discussions last week that yielded limited progress. The Japan tariff talks come just ahead of the G7 summit in Canada starting June 15. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba may speak directly with Trump if talks advance.
Tokyo wants the U.S. to scrap extra tariffs. Officials say the duties damage Japan’s export-driven economy and risk worsening ahead of national elections this summer. After last week’s meetings, Akazawa said the two sides made progress but failed to reach common ground. Still, he promised to continue “intensive” efforts on trade and economic security.
Back in Tokyo on Sunday, Akazawa met with Ishiba. He briefed the prime minister on talks and the next steps. A leader-level meeting may follow if negotiations move forward. Trump’s “reciprocal tariff” plan, announced April 2, levies a 10% baseline duty globally. Japan also faces a country-specific 14% surcharge, bringing its total tariff rate to 24%.
Japan has suffered under additional tariffs as well. U.S. import taxes on autos and other goods hit Tokyo hard. The White House imposed many of them on national security grounds. In response, Japan proposed a wide-ranging package to address trade concerns. That package includes joint semiconductor supply chain efforts and cooperation on critical minerals.
Moreover, Japan also offered expanded U.S. farm imports and streamlined safety standards for foreign-made cars. Officials hope these concessions will ease tensions and remove punitive duties. As Japan tariff talks enter a crucial phase, both sides face growing pressure to find common ground. Japan wants to protect its economy and industries from further harm while maintaining stable growth.
Meanwhile, the U.S. seeks favorable trade terms without damaging key alliances in the Asia-Pacific region. Therefore, Akazawa’s mission remains clear—secure a deal that lifts the burden off Japan’s industries and restores economic stability. Success in these negotiations could help stabilize the broader trade relationship between the two countries, benefiting both their economies in the long run.
