Japan’s top trade negotiator canceled a planned trip to Washington Thursday to finalize a tariffs deal with the Trump administration, citing the need for further consultations, a senior government spokesman said.
Trade envoy Ryosei Akazawa was to attend the 10th round of talks following the July 22 agreement that cut tariffs on most Japanese goods to 15% from the initially announced 25%. Japanese officials later raised concerns that the preliminary deal added extra duties, prompting Washington to promise corrections and refunds — which have yet to materialize.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi urged the U.S. to revise its presidential order to lower tariffs on autos and auto parts. He stressed that prompt implementation of the agreement is vital for the economic security of both nations.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently said Washington is ready to finalize the deal, under which Japan plans to invest up to $550 billion in the U.S. over the coming years. Plans for Akazawa’s visit remain undecided.