Japan is set to start negotiations with the United States in Washington on Wednesday, becoming one of the first nations to test President Donald Trump’s willingness to ease broad tariffs that have rattled global markets and fueled concerns over a potential economic slowdown.
Trump announced that he would take part in the talks personally, posting on Truth Social that Japan is coming to discuss tariffs, military cost-sharing, and what he called “fair trade.” He said he’ll attend the meeting alongside the Treasury and Commerce Secretaries, expressing hope for a deal that benefits both nations.
Currently, Japanese exports to the U.S. face a 24% tariff, though those charges have been suspended for 90 days. However, a 10% general tariff remains in effect, as does a 25% duty on automobiles—an especially critical sector for Japan’s economy.
Japan’s lead negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, will meet with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The agenda could also include discussions on energy cooperation and currency policy, a topic Tokyo is keen to keep separate from the tariff negotiations.
Bessent has emphasized the benefits of early engagement, noting that over 75 countries have requested similar discussions. Still, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba made it clear that Tokyo won’t rush into any agreements and doesn’t plan to make significant concessions. For now, Japan has also decided not to impose any retaliatory tariffs.
“The challenge Japan faces is that the U.S. has unilaterally created significant leverage,” said Kurt Tong, a former diplomat and now a managing partner at a Washington-based consultancy. “It feels like Washington is threatening penalties unless Japan offers major incentives—which to Tokyo, feels like economic pressure.”
Trump has frequently criticized trade imbalances, particularly with Japan and other key trading partners, claiming American industries have been harmed by unfair practices and currency manipulation.
Bessent recently held similar talks with Vietnam’s deputy prime minister and has invited South Korea’s finance minister to Washington next week. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is also scheduled to meet Trump on Thursday to address tariffs affecting the European Union.
While the exact agenda for Wednesday’s meeting remains unclear, Bessent has said he hopes to cover tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and exchange rates. Japanese officials, however, are pushing to keep currency issues off the table. The possibility of Japan investing in a large natural gas project in Alaska may also be part of the discussion.
