Japan Eyes U.S. Tariff Relief in Upcoming Trade Talks

Japan’s top trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, is expected to visit Washington as early as next week for a third round of U.S.-Japan trade negotiations, according to sources familiar with the matter. The visit’s timing depends on progress in ongoing staff-level talks aimed at resolving key trade differences.

Japan is preparing a set of proposals to secure concessions from the United States, potentially including increased imports of American corn and soybeans, joint shipbuilding technology initiatives, and revised automobile inspection standards. However, Japan’s top priority remains gaining exemptions from the U.S. auto and auto parts tariffs, which are central to its export-driven economy.

Akazawa, also Japan’s economic revitalization minister, said Tokyo is urging a review of U.S. tariffs on cars, auto parts, steel, and aluminum. On April 2, President Donald Trump announced a 10% blanket tariff on all countries except Canada, Mexico, and China, with Japan facing a 24% rate beginning in July unless an agreement is reached.

Japanese officials have indicated that without removal of the 25% auto tariff, they see limited benefit in striking a deal. The industry has already felt the impact, with Mazda reporting a 45.1% drop in net profit for the fiscal year ending March and withholding forecasts for FY2026.

During a May 1 visit, Akazawa raised the tariff issue with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, but no resolution was reached. While Japan was the first major nation to enter trade talks with the Trump administration, the U.K. was the first to finalize a deal. China also struck a temporary truce, easing trade tensions and boosting global markets.

Japan’s efforts now focus on avoiding long-term economic damage from U.S. protectionist policies, particularly in the vital auto sector.