Japanese Tariff Negotiator Holds Phone Talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary: "Both Sides Reaffirm Positions"

Two Phone Calls Held Ahead of Mutual Tariff Suspension Expiration

Yonhap News

With tariff negotiations between the United States and Japan at a standstill, Ryosei Akazawa, Japan's Minister for Economic Revitalization, recently held two phone conversations with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to coordinate their positions. Japanese media, including NHK, reported on July 6 that the two countries have entered last-minute talks ahead of the scheduled expiration of their mutual tariff suspension on July 8.

According to the Japanese government, Akazawa spoke with Secretary Lutnick for approximately 45 minutes on July 3 and about 60 minutes on the night of July 5. During these calls, both sides reaffirmed their respective positions regarding U.S. tariff measures and continued in-depth discussions. The Japanese government stated that it "will continue to actively coordinate with the U.S. side going forward."

Previously, the two officials failed to reach an agreement during the seventh round of negotiations held in Washington, D.C. on June 27. At that time, Akazawa extended his stay by a day in an attempt to meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant to prolong the negotiations, but it was reported that the meeting ultimately did not take place.

Subsequently, President Donald Trump made several remarks pressuring Japan. On June 30, Trump claimed on Truth Social that "Japan is reluctant to import U.S. rice even though it is experiencing a rice shortage." He also expressed skepticism aboard Air Force One, stating, "I don't know if we can reach a deal with Japan." In addition, he described Japan as having been "poorly trained."

NHK reported that Akazawa appeared to have these remarks by Trump in mind during his conversations with Lutnick.