Japan, Donald Trump and trade agreement
Digest more
On his own terms, it could now be said that the aggressive approach by the US President is yielding tangible results.
Japan's top tariff negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, the Asahi newspaper reported on Wednesday.
Asian governments are hoping a flurry of last-minute diplomacy will secure them better deals from the White House. Japan’s chief trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa met with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick for more than two hours on Monday — his eighth round of trade talks with US officials.
Trump has sent letters to leaders of dozens of countries outlining the tariff levels set to begin on Aug. 1. In recent months, Trump has rolled back some of his steepest tariffs, meaning delays could be possible in the case of the Aug. 1 deadline. The Trump administration appears to have stood largely behind the deadline in recent days, however.
Japanese Premier Shigeru Ishiba on Monday revealed plans to stay in office to provide “stability” and tackle economic concerns after his ruling coalition saw striking losses in the country’s upper house elections.