Japanese media reported that the second tariff negotiations between the United States and Japan began on the 1st in Washington, D.C. (local time).
According to Kyodo News and NHK, the two sides held their first negotiations in Washington, D.C. on the 16th of last month, and it is expected that discussions will intensify in this second ministerial-level negotiation, which is being held about two weeks later.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Vessenst attended from the United States, while Ryosei Akazawa, the Minister in charge of tariffs, represented Japan.
This negotiation is considered a barometer for Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations, with the United States claiming unfairness in agricultural and automotive trade, while Japan is demanding an exemption from the tariff measures imposed by the Donald Trump administration.
Kyodo News noted that "Japan is planning to confirm the priorities among the U.S. demands, which include expanding sales of U.S. cars and opening agricultural markets, and is considering its negotiation cards," adding that it will promote specific progress in consultations to realize the early elimination of additional tariffs.