The U.S. has denied Japan’s push for full exemption from both “reciprocal” and country-specific tariffs, according to Kyodo. In recent talks, U.S. officials informed Japan’s chief negotiator Ryosei Akazawa that only a reduction — not elimination — of the 14% Japan-specific tariff on certain goods (currently suspended through early July) is under consideration. Japan had sought the removal of these duties, as well as tariffs on cars, steel and aluminum.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins plans to visit Japan, India and Vietnam in the coming weeks to discuss Trump’s tariffs, according to Kyodo. Japan’s Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato said the country won’t use the sale of its U.S. Treasury holdings in trade talks with Washington, clarifying his previous remarks that suggested they could be used as a negotiating tool.
