Japanese trade negotiator confirms he expressed calls for tariffs review on return from U.S. visit
(18 Apr 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
POOL
Tokyo – 18 April 2025
1. Japanese Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa arriving
2. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Ryosei Akazawa, Economic Revitalization Minister:
“We had candid exchanges of information and opinions and held discussions with the aim of reaching an agreement that could be announced as soon as possible. We also agreed to coordinate so that the next round of talks can be held within this month.”
3. Wide of briefing
4. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Ryosei Akazawa, Economic Revitalization Minister:
“Of course, Japan strongly expressed its regret over the U.S. tariff measures and firmly requested a review of the series of actions taken. We have stated what needed to be said from the Japanese side.”
5. Akazawa leaving
STORYLINE:
Japan’s chief trade negotiator returned from Washington on Friday, saying he pressed the Trump administration to roll back tariff measures against Japanese exports and expressing hope that an agreement could be reached soon.
Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa, who led the Japanese delegation, described the discussions with U.S. officials as candid but constructive.
“We had candid exchanges of information and opinions and held discussions with the aim of reaching an agreement that could be announced as soon as possible,” Akazawa told reporters at the airport.
“We also agreed to coordinate so that the next round of talks can be held within this month.”
Akazawa met with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during a three-day visit to Washington that followed President Donald Trump’s decision last week to pause the latest round of proposed tariffs for 90 days.
However, a 10% baseline tariff and a tariff of 25% on cars, auto parts, steel and aluminum exports remain in place.
Akazawa said he made Japan’s position clear during the talks.
“Of course, Japan strongly expressed its regret over the U.S. tariff measures and firmly requested a review of the series of actions taken,” he said.
“We have stated what needed to be said from the Japanese side.”
Japan is among the first countries to enter into formal negotiations with the Trump administration over the tariffs, which Tokyo views as unfair and harmful to economic ties.
The talks are expected to continue later this month.
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