Photo = Yonhap news

 

 

[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Japanese Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa departed for the United States on June 26 to attend the seventh round of Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations, as both sides work toward a resolution ahead of the July 9 expiration of their mutual tariff suspension agreement.



According to reports by Kyodo News and the Nikkei, Akazawa told reporters at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport prior to departure that while the two countries are “not negotiating under a strict deadline,” Japan is mindful of the upcoming expiration date.



When asked whether Japan would push for the complete elimination of U.S. automobile tariffs, Akazawa stated, “A 25% tariff on cars is something we cannot accept.” His remarks suggest that Japan may seek significant reductions if full removal is deemed unfeasible.



Earlier this month, during the fifth round of talks, both sides reportedly neared a consensus on reducing automobile tariffs by more than 15 percentage points. However, the U.S. later conveyed its intention to limit the reduction to single digits, marking a shift in its position.



Akazawa emphasized that Japanese automakers have made substantial contributions to the U.S. economy through local production and job creation. He added that Japan will continue to communicate this point to U.S. counterparts during the ongoing talks.



Meanwhile, South Korea also sent a trade delegation to Washington earlier this week. On June 23 (local time), Yeo Han-koo, South Korea’s Deputy Minister for Trade Negotiations, met with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and USTR representative Jamison Greer to discuss mutual tariffs and seek exemptions on key sectors, including automobiles and steel.



The U.S. and South Korea are holding technical-level consultations from June 24 to 26.

 

 

 

 

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