Trump keeps tariffs despite Japan's early push for deal
Photo: Donald Trump, President of the United States (Getty Images)
The United States and Japan held talks on tariffs with the aim of reaching an agreement on their removal as soon as possible. However, no results have been achieved yet, as stated by Japan’s Minister of Economic Development Ryosei Akazawa, according to Bloomberg and Reuters.
According to media reports, Akazawa met with US President Donald Trump and later held trade talks with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
The talks did not result in an immediate removal of the tariffs, but preparations are underway for a second round of negotiations, expected to take place at the end of April.
Akazawa declined to comment on whether security issues or non-tariff barriers were discussed, but said both sides were committed to continuing negotiations.
He added that while a date for the next meeting has not yet been set, Washington likely aims to reach a deal before the 90% deferral period on “reciprocal tariffs” expires.
Meanwhile, Trump stated on social media that the talks had made “great progress.”
“A Great Honor to have just met with the Japanese Delegation on Trade. Big Progress!” Trump posted on Wednesday on his social media site following the meeting.
US tariffs on Japan
Japan was among the first countries to officially begin negotiations over lifting the tariffs.
Despite repeated requests from Tokyo for an exemption, Trump has already imposed a 25% tariff on steel, aluminum, and automobiles.
The president also introduced the so-called “reciprocal tariffs” on US trade partners, before pausing them for 90 days. Japan was initially hit with a 24% tariff, but following the deferral, a base tariff of 10% remains in effect.
Talks with EU
Bloomberg reported yesterday that trade tensions between the US and the European Union are escalating. Talks on the potential lifting of tariffs have not yielded the expected results. In particular, Trump administration officials have made it clear that the US does not plan to remove most of the tariffs imposed on the EU.
